Hostage Survivor Urges Return of Missing Woman

Bar Cooperstein, who was held captive by Hamas for two years before his release, delivered an emotional speech at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv during a prayer and gratitude event. He expressed deep gratitude to the Israeli public for their unwavering support, prayers, and advocacy for the hostages and their families.

Cooperstein addressed IDF soldiers, war wounded, bereaved families, and the family of Haimanut Kasao, who has been missing for over four and a half years. He echoed the public's past message of solidarity, stating, "For two years you shouted 'You are not alone, we are with you,' tonight I shout back: Thank you! We are with you!" He emphasized that the Israeli people have proven they do not give up.

"We returned, but we must all continue to remember those who did not get to return," Cooperstein stated, acknowledging the presence of families of fallen hostages and bereaved families. He noted that amidst personal joy for their return, they carry the pain of those still missing and lost.

Cooperstein specifically highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring Haimanut Kasao home. "We must remember that there is another family in Israel that has been waiting for over two and a half years for their daughter to return home. Haimanut Kasao. I know what it's like when a family doesn't know where their child is, so I ask us to do this now as well. Haimanut is one of us, and we need her home," he pleaded.