Hostage Survivor Bar Kupferstein Marks One Year of Freedom, Shares Faith Amidst Captivity

On the eve of Hoshana Rabbah, exactly one year after his release from Hamas captivity, Bar Kupferstein visited the sukkah of MK Yaakov Asher, sharing his experiences of miracles and faith during his time held hostage. Accompanied by his parents, Tal and Julie Kupferstein, and family friend Rabbi Riki Siton, Bar spoke about the profound faith he discovered while held in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. The Asher family recounted their prayers for his release and that of all hostages during the two years Bar was held.

Bar shared his personal slogan, "Bar is always in the hands of the Creator of the world," and the nickname "faith survivor," emphasizing the spiritual strength he found. His father, Tal Kupferstein, expressed gratitude to MK Asher for his support during the campaign for his son's release, including advocacy in Knesset committees and with government authorities. MK Asher mentioned that his daughter had taken it upon herself to pray for Bar's freedom.

Media personality Yisrael Cohen, who has been supporting hostage families since October 7, also attended. Cohen described Bar and other released hostages as symbols of spiritual awakening and faith, noting its reflection in young people's participation in spiritual observances. The discussion also recalled Bar's earlier visit to Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, the head of the yeshiva, where he recounted miracles and displayed a hat inscribed with his slogan.