Bar Kupershtein, who was held by Hamas in Gaza for more than two years, spoke with CNN about the hardships he endured in captivity and the moments that helped him survive. The 23-year-old security guard, taken from the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023, described his time in Gaza as "hell," yet maintained a calm and upbeat demeanor as he prepared to travel to the White House to meet US President Donald Trump.
Kupershtein told CNN that he chose to remain at the festival during the terror attack to assist wounded partygoers. He said he could not have lived with himself had he fled while others needed help. That decision ultimately led to his kidnapping and 738 days underground.
He recounted periods of severe abuse, starvation, and threats of execution, saying that captors at times blamed their treatment of the hostages on statements by Israeli officials. Held with five others in what he described as a small underground cell, he said faith became his anchor throughout the ordeal. He told CNN, “G-d gave me the strength to be strong. I truly believed and knew that I would get out safe and sound,” underscoring the belief that sustained him during captivity.
Kupershtein also told CNN that an unexpected lifeline emerged when he managed to pick up an Israeli radio station from a transmitter intended to broadcast Quran passages. Through it, he learned of his family’s ongoing efforts to bring him home, including his father’s remarkable rehabilitation to advocate for his release.
Reflecting on his return, Kupershtein said he now feels like an "upgraded version" of himself, grateful each day to wake up in Israel rather than in the tunnels where he was held. He acknowledged that the emotional wounds remain but said he surrounds himself with support as he continues to heal.