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Ex-October 7 hostage describes 2 years in captivity

Kupershtein endured beatings, starvation, and isolation underground for 738 days after shielding wounded at the Nova Festival, later meeting the US president upon release.

  • On October 7, 2023, Bar Kupershtein, 23-year-old security guard, was shot and kidnapped at the Nova Festival, spending 738 days in Hamas captivity.
  • Staying behind to help wounded, Kupershtein said he felt responsible for others' safety as the eldest of five siblings and the family breadwinner.
  • Imagine you're 30 meters underground: Kupershtein counted days in a small dungeon with five other hostages, enduring beatings, starvation, and threats while listening to Quran broadcasts and Israeli military radio.
  • Kupershtein calls President Donald Trump `an emissary of God` and plans to thank him; back in Israel, he describes himself as an `upgraded version` but acknowledges lasting wounds and sleep troubles.
  • In April 2025, Hamas released a propaganda video showing Kupershtein and other emaciated hostages, while Tal, Bar's father, regained speech and led demonstrations at Hostages Square; Kupershtein says he doubts Hamas seeks peace.
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CNN broke the news in Atlanta, United States on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
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