KATHMANDU, May 9: Everyone feels deeply concerned about Bipin Joshi, who has been in Hamas captivity since October 2023 and whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and held Bipin captive along with many others. Israeli authorities have not yet located him. The tragic assault killed 10 Nepali students. Bipin's disappearance has affected not only Nepalis but also Israeli citizens.
"I came to Nepal with Bipin in my heart," said Israeli tourist Noa Levy as she spoke in simple Nepali while eating yogurt in Taumadhi, Bhaktapur. "We believe he is safe. He is our brother—he lives in our hearts."
She said the deaths and abduction of Nepali students had saddened them deeply and added that she and her friends have actively supported efforts to search for Bipin.
‘ No evidence yet found of Bipin Joshi’s survival ’
"Noa Levy said, 'He is not an Israeli, but because he went missing from our country, we care for him like a family member. That's why Bipin stays in our hearts even as we travel through Nepal."
Ziv Essenshtod, another Israeli tourist traveling with her, also voiced deep concern about Bipin Joshi. "Almost everyone in Israel knows his name," he said. "We've organized many events demanding his safe release." Although they share no blood relation, Ziv emphasized the emotional connection that Bipin's disappearance has created in Israel. "We followed the news about his disappearance and the pain it brought to his family," he said. "So when we arrived in Nepal, we immediately thought of him."
Israeli tourists visiting Bhaktapur expressed joy at experiencing Nepal's rich culture and warm hospitality. As they prepared for a trek to the Langtang region, they shared that they had already explored Nepal's beauty from afar.
"While researching Bipin's story, we also discovered the natural and cultural richness of his country," one of them said. "That's why we carry his memory with us wherever we go." Although they have not met Bipin's family, they voiced their sincere hope for his safe and swift release.
Bipin Joshi, a native of Kanchanpur, studied agricultural science at Far Western University. He traveled to Israel under the Israeli government's "Earn and Learn" program, designed for agricultural training. A total of 265 Nepali students went to Israel through the initiative—119 from the Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from Far Western University.
Hamas fighters killed 10 out of 17 Nepali students working on the agricultural farm during the attack. They injured four others and caused Bipin Joshi to go missing. Two students managed to escape unharmed. Nepali students who worked alongside Joshi and were later rescued and brought back home said he had thrown away a grenade launched by Hamas, saving their lives.
Although the Nepali government has repeatedly urged authorities to locate Joshi and secure his release, officials have yet to provide any update on his status or whereabouts.
Joshi’s family has urged the Prime Minister, leaders of various political parties, and the Israeli ambassador to help locate him and secure his release. However, no progress has been made regarding Joshi’s condition or whereabouts. Despite several prisoner exchanges between the two sides, Bipin’s release has not been included, leaving his family more concerned.
“We are well aware of the concerns from Nepal and his family,” Noah adds. “As visitors from the country where Bipin went missing, we will return with the hope of seeing him found.”
