Bar Kupershtein Mourns Grandmother Who Fought for His Release from Hamas Captivity

Bar Kupershtein, an Israeli hostage survivor, announced the passing of his grandmother, Paina, who tirelessly advocated for his release during his captivity by Hamas militants. Posting on Instagram, Kupershtein expressed deep sorrow and gratitude, saying, "I will miss you so much, I am so happy you got to see me return. I love you forever." His father, Tal Kupershtein, also shared a heartfelt tribute, describing Paina as a loving mother and grandmother who never stopped hoping and fighting for Bar's safe return. He wrote, "My heart is broken. Thank you for everything you were to me. The longing for you will accompany me all my life."

Paina was married to Michael, a Holocaust survivor. Before Bar's abduction, he lived with them to accommodate his father's need for a caregiver after a severe car accident. Throughout Bar's captivity, Paina spoke openly about the family's pain and compared her grandson's ordeal to a "worse Holocaust." During the two years of captivity, Bar's grandparents kept a vacant chair for him at meals and maintained his room. In April 2025, while Bar was still captive, they participated in the March of the Living at Auschwitz as part of a delegation of families of hostages.

After Bar's release, the family expressed gratitude to the Israeli public for their support during the difficult years. Paina's death marks a poignant moment for the family, who had long endured the anguish of Bar's captivity and celebrated his return as a miracle. The Kupershtein family continues to honor her memory and the sacrifices she made.