KATHMANDU, Oct 30: The Embassy of Israel in Nepal held a solemn memorial ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday to honor the victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel.
The attack claimed over 1,200 lives including 11 Nepali students who were in Israel for an agricultural training program. Among them, late Bipin Joshi, who had been abducted on the same day was only recently confirmed dead and repatriated to Kanchanpur, Nepal, following a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The ceremony brought together high-level government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, media representatives and other dignitaries to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with the families of those affected in both Israel and Nepal, according to a press statement issued by the embassy.
Israel-Hamas cease-fire boosts confidence in Bipin’s return
The program began with the screening of raw footage depicting the horrifying scale of atrocities committed by Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023 including mass killings, kidnappings and acts of extreme cruelty. Candles were then lit in memory of the victims followed by a moment of silence.
Janan Bebar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel, delivered a moving address highlighting the human cost of the tragedy. She recounted the abduction and execution of Bipin Joshi, shared findings from the Dinnah Report on sexual violence and torture and reflected on the massacre at the Nova Music Festival. She also spoke about the deliberate targeting of children and the elderly, the destruction of entire neighborhoods, and the ongoing emotional and physical trauma for survivors and families, according to the press release.
Family representatives and survivors also shared their stories. Basant Raj Bist, representing his late father Dipesh Raj Bist, spoke of grief, resilience and remembrance, while Nepali survivor Himanchal Kattel recounted his harrowing experience from that day. Arjun Hardas, representing the American Jewish Committee in India, emphasized the importance of global solidarity against terrorism.
Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass said, “The brutal attack has permanently linked the fates of our peoples. The Government of Israel remains committed to stand by the victims’ families.” The chief guest, Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel of the Supreme Court of Nepal, added, “As peace has no alternative, I hope the recent peace accord will bring lasting peace in the region and justice may prevail for the victims.”
An accompanying exhibition featured photographs by several artists, including renowned Israeli photographer Zivi Cohen, capturing the human toll of the massacre through powerful visuals. The memorial served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance, compassion, and unity in the face of terror, reaffirming the need for the world to stand united against all forms of terrorism, according to the embassy.
