A video thought to have been filmed in November 2023 showing Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi has been released at his family’s request, two years after his abduction from Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, 2023.
The video was obtained by Israeli intelligence officials and was under censorship until the family recently received permission to release it. It is also one of the only signs of life received for Joshi since his captivity began, with his current status remaining unclear two years later.
Bipin identifies himself in the footage, stating: “Ismi (my name is) Bipin Joshi, I’m from Nepal. I’m 23 years old. I came to Israel 25 days ago. I came here for the ‘Learn and Earn’ program. I’m a student.”
Pushpa Joshi, Bipin’s sister, confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the video was released now as a direct effort to encourage the finalization of a potential hostage deal.
A sister's urgent plea
Pushpa is currently in the United States, advocating for her brother’s release, and is working to meet with President Donald Trump. She extended her travel to Washington, DC, and New York, stating, “We are here with a hopeful heart, and we want to meet the President, Mr. Donald Trump, for advocating for his [Bipin’s] safe release.”
Speaking about the negotiations, Pushpa emphasized the devastating toll of the protracted wait. She made a direct appeal to the diplomats: “It’s almost two years, and we can’t wait anymore. And we have no power to wait anymore.” She added, “Please don’t go back. Please don’t look back. And try to understand the pain of the hostages and the hostages’ family. And take good action for their safe release.”
Bipin, who came from a remote village in western Nepal, had arrived in Israel just three weeks before the October 7 massacre for an agricultural education program. According to a Wall Street Journal report, he is credited with saving the lives of several people hiding in his shelter at Kibbutz Alumim by grabbing and throwing back one of two grenades that entered the windowless room.
While the first was successful, the second exploded, severely injuring five of his friends.
The Joshi family noted that the footage provides a crucial anchor of certainty. They stated: “This sign of life found in Gaza, which we are sharing with you today, serves as an anchor and a confirmation of our steadfast belief that he is alive.” They acknowledged the difficulty of sharing the footage, noting, “It is not easy for us to share it publicly, but we are in critical and historic days that will determine the fate of the 48 hostages.”
The family concluded their message with a fervent appeal: “We call on all diplomatic and international actors involved: Do not give up on them. Bring the day. Bring them home.”