KATHMANDHU, Aug 18: Israeli President Isaac Herzog held an emotional meeting on Sunday with the mother and sister of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who has been held captive in Gaza by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attack.
Joshi, who had gone to Israel for agricultural studies, was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim during the assault. His mother Padma Joshi and sister Pushpa Joshi are on their first visit to Israel to press for his release.
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Calling the meeting “painful and emotional,” President Herzog said he shared the family’s suffering. “We will not remain silent until Bipin and all hostages are freed,” he told them, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv.
Padma Joshi urged the president for her son’s immediate release, while Pushpa described Bipin as an innocent student and appealed for every possible effort. Nepali Ambassador Dhan Prasad Pandit, who accompanied them, briefed Herzog on Joshi’s case.
Herzog assured the family that Israel regards Bipin as one of its own citizens and is making every possible effort for his release.
On the same day, Padma and Pushpa Joshi also met Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who reaffirmed Israel’s concern and ongoing search efforts, noting that the case has further strengthened Nepal–Israel ties.
