From Hamas Tunnels to Western Wall Freedom: Bar Kuperstein Celebrates Sukkot
Released captivity survivor Bar Kuperstein reflects on his return to faith and freedom during Sukkot, bridging the Western Wall and Hostages Square after 738 days in Hamas captivity.
Since returning home, many captivity survivors describe a renewed process of growing closer to Judaism, while simultaneously working to unite the people of Israel across various platforms. Among the participants at the Selichot services at the Western Wall over the past month were Omer Shem Tov, Itay Regev, Elia Cohen, and Bar Kuperstein, who joined the crowd in prayers of thanksgiving for their return, prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers, and for national unity.
Kuperstein appears to take the connection between Jewish tradition and the desire for unity and combine them. In an original and moving initiative, he recently worked to connect the Western Wall Plaza and Hostages Square in Tel Aviv via a live broadcast. The event was attended by other captivity survivors and families of fallen hostages, who gathered for joint prayer with the crowds in Jerusalem.
Now, Kuperstein has arrived at the traditional priestly blessing ceremony at the Western Wall, sharing his excitement in an interview with i24NEWS about being filled with gratitude for the very opportunity to celebrate the holiday in freedom alongside fellow worshippers. Last year I could only dream of praying because you have no prayer book and nothing, he recounted, noting that in the tunnels he had no sukkah. Here you have the privilege of truly being in a sukkah and praying together in the priestly blessing with all of the people of Israel. It is truly emotional.
Kuperstein was kidnapped from the Nova party in Re'im on October 7, 2023, and was released on October 13, 2025, after 738 days in Hamas captivity. Following his return, his mother Julie spoke about his connection to faith during that difficult period: Bar did not enter captivity as a religious person, but his faith there was strong and only grew stronger. He is now celebrating the current Sukkot holiday in Israel, nearly a year after his return.
