Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national taken hostage on October 7 at Kibbutz Alumim, is one of the 76 hostages held by Gaza-based militant groups. His family spoke to the Jerusalem Post Podcast about the ongoing search for answers and the latest developments.
Life of Bipin and Arrival in Israel
Bipin Joshi, an agriculture student, was from Bispuri Mahendranagar, a village near Nepal’s border with India. With his family’s support, he traveled to Israel as part of a government program aimed at providing Nepali workers with better wages and job security. Many Nepalis go to Israel as caregivers, a sector known for its reliable pay and stability.
In 2023, Nepal and Israel signed an agreement to bring Nepali farm workers to fill labor shortages caused by a decrease in Thai migrant workers. Even after the October 7 attack, 1,200 more Nepali workers arrived in early 2024, with thousands more expected to come. The Nepali community in Israel has been growing, celebrating their cultural and religious festivals while establishing roots in their new home.
Hostage Crisis and Heroic Actions
On October 7, over 240 people, including foreign workers like Nepalis, were taken hostage by Gaza-based militants. Joshi had been in Israel for a short time and had not yet received his first paycheck. His story, however, quickly gained attention after it was revealed he had saved lives by throwing two grenades out of his shelter to protect others. One grenade exploded inside, injuring five of his friends.
Before the hostage situation, Joshi had helped people reach safety. However, when gunmen stormed in, he was captured. He was last seen in a video shown by Israeli officials from Al-Shifa hospital in November 2023.
Family’s Search for Answers
Bipin’s family is still desperate for information. His father, a teacher, continues to hold out hope for a phone call. His mother, Padma, spoke with him the night before the attack, and he assured her that he was safe. Israeli officials later showed a video confirming that Joshi was alive, but by January 2024, Nepal’s ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, stated that no new details had emerged regarding his condition or whereabouts.
Shira Abbo, a public policy head at an Israeli refugee rights NGO, confirmed her team had been in touch with Joshi’s family from the beginning. However, despite their outreach to Nepali, Israeli, and human rights officials, and requests to involve Qatar, the family has received no substantial updates. Joshi’s cousin, Basu Dev, voiced concerns about the continued silence, especially if the fighting resumes.
Global Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Concerns
The hostage situation has triggered global diplomatic efforts. Countries like the US, Russia, and France have been involved in negotiations, with the US using surveillance drones to locate its citizens. In contrast, smaller nations like Nepal have had to rely on less powerful diplomatic strategies.
Captives, including Joshi, are being held in tunnels and makeshift facilities under harsh conditions, according to IDF intelligence and former hostages. Joshi’s government, newly involved in such a crisis, has struggled to get answers.
The uncertainty surrounding Joshi’s fate continues to trouble his family and advocates. “This ceasefire is not permanent,” said his cousin Basu Dev. “What happens to Bipin if fighting starts again?”
A Family’s Plea for Action
In October 2024, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum honored Joshi on his birthday. His sister made an urgent plea, stating, “Please bring him home. Save his life. Rescue Bipin Joshi. Pray for him.”
Abbo’s organization has raised alarms about the lack of updates. “Israel has an obligation to protect all its people, including foreign workers like Bipin,” she said.
This ongoing crisis underscores the stakes for Joshi’s family and many others still held captive. For more updates on the situation, visit Nepal Monitor.
