When news of a truce finally broke, Bipin Joshi’s family breathed a collective sigh of relief, offering prayers of gratitude. For a brief, precious moment, the possibility of his return sparked a fragile hope that he might at last come home.
However, on a somber Monday evening, after two agonizing years held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Bipin Joshi did return – not alive, but in a coffin delivered to his family’s doorstep in the lush foothills of far western Nepal.
While millions across Nepal illuminated their homes for Tihar, the joyous festival of lights, darkness enveloped Mahendranagar, his hometown. Dozens gathered, their faces etched with grief, as his body arrived. His family’s wails pierced the air, shattered by the incomprehensible reality that their son had perished in a distant conflict, a war not his own, thousands of miles from home.
Bipin Joshi was just 23 years old when he embarked on an agricultural study program in Israel. Tragically, less than three weeks after his arrival, Israeli officials confirmed he was abducted by Hamas from a southern Israeli kibbutz on October 7, 2023.
Following his abduction, his family received scant information about his well-being. Yet, they refused to give up, launching a desperate international campaign to ensure the world remembered Bipin and to secure his release. Their tireless efforts took them to Israel and the United States, seeking any glimmer of help.
“Tihar is meant to be a festival of lights, but for us, it will forever be a stark reminder of overwhelming darkness,” lamented Kishor Joshi, Bipin’s cousin. “After two years of agonizing, sleepless nights and a relentless struggle for his freedom, all that remains is his lifeless body.”
The devastating news of his death utterly crushed the family, who, despite everything, had held onto hope that Bipin was still alive. Just hours after Hamas initially agreed to release hostages and Israel accepted the proposal earlier this month, his 18-year-old sister, Pushpa Joshi, had confidently told The New York Times that she fully expected to see her brother’s ‘smiling face’ once more.
Even the Israeli government had expressed doubts about his survival; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had notably omitted Mr. Joshi’s name from a list of hostages believed to still be alive during a speech at the United Nations. Following the return of his body by Hamas, the Israeli military suggested he may have died early in the conflict, a claim that remains unconfirmed by independent sources.
Nepal’s foreign ministry confirmed in a Monday evening statement that the government had actively pursued efforts to secure Bipin’s freedom throughout his captivity.
On Tuesday morning, Bipin’s body was cremated in a poignant ceremony along the banks of the Mahakali River. Through the preceding night, dozens of neighbors stood in solidarity with the Joshi family, offering comfort and sharing in their profound sorrow.
“Bipin departed filled with excitement for a year-long learning adventure in Israel. We could never have imagined that the farewell hug we shared that day would be our last,” his family shared in a heartbreaking statement. “Every flower in the garden we planted, every orchard, every field will forever remind us of you. You are woven into the very fabric of Nepal’s landscape, and now, tragically, also a part of Israel’s story.”
Prior to his journey home, Prime Minister Sushila Karki personally honored Bipin, draping Nepal’s national flag over his coffin during a solemn ceremony at Kathmandu’s airport, attended by numerous high-ranking officials.
“Our hearts are shattered to witness his lifeless return,” stated Prime Minister Karki. “Though Bipin is no longer with us, his inherent courage and bravery remain a source of immense pride for every Nepali. He is a true son of Nepal, a son to every mother. He will never be forgotten; he lives on within our hearts.”
When she spoke with The New York Times in late September, Bipin’s sister, Pushpa Joshi, radiated warmth as she spoke of her brother. She was only in 10th grade when he was captured, and throughout her determined campaign to secure his return, she diligently honed her English skills to advocate for him.
She cherished the small memories: the guitar he gifted her, the patient way he helped with her homework.
“Every single second, all I see is my brother,” she had expressed then, her voice filled with longing. “He will never truly leave me.”