Ex-hostage Bar Kupershtein marks anniversary of release from Hamas captivity with slichot service

Former Gaza hostage Bar Kupershtein led a slichot prayer service at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, marking one year since his release from Hamas captivity. Kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, Kupershtein was released in October 2025. His mother, Julie, and fellow former hostage Rom Braslavski attended, along with the mothers of deceased hostages Yonatan Samrano and Guy Ilouz, who appeared live from the Western Wall. Kupershtein expressed gratitude, stating, "In a place where they tried to take everything away from us, faith was the one thing they could not take." He also thanked the Israeli public, saying, "When we came home, we understood how much you, the people of Israel, had kept that flame burning for us." Additionally, Kupershtein called for continued efforts to find Haymanut Kasau, an Ethiopian girl missing since February 2024. Braslavski echoed these sentiments, thanking the public and emphasizing the importance of remembering hostages killed by Hamas.