Nepalisrael.com (Jerusalem, Israel) – August 17, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic move aimed at securing the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, his mother, Padma Joshi, and sister, Pushpa Joshi, recently concluded high-level meetings with prominent Israeli officials. Accompanied by Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Dhan Prasad Pandit, the family engaged directly with His Excellency President Isaac Herzog and the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament, His Excellency Mr. Amir Ohana, in Jerusalem. These critical discussions underscore the ongoing international efforts to bring Bipin Joshi home and highlight the strong bilateral relationship between Nepal and Israel.
The Heart-Wrenching Appeal for a Son and Brother’s Return
The meetings commenced with a deeply emotional appeal from Bipin Joshi’s family. During their interaction with President Isaac Herzog, Bipin’s mother, Padma Joshi, expressed profound gratitude and joy at the opportunity to meet the President directly. Her primary plea was for swift and decisive action to facilitate her son’s immediate release. Echoing her mother’s sentiments, Bipin’s sister, Pushpa Joshi, passionately appealed to the President, emphasizing that her brother had arrived in Israel as an innocent student. She urged for every possible initiative to secure his freedom from Hamas’s captivity, stressing his blameless status. Adding to the family’s earnest requests, Ambassador Pandit made a special appeal for updates on Bipin Joshi’s condition and for continued efforts from the Israeli side.
President Herzog’s Diplomatic Assurance and Call for Broader Engagement
In response to the family’s poignant appeals, President Herzog conveyed his understanding and commitment to Bipin Joshi’s plight. He acknowledged that Bipin, who came to Israel as a student, was tragically taken hostage by Hamas during the sudden attack on October 7, 2023, a fact that is now widely recognized and deeply concerning.
President Herzog articulated Israel’s profound sense of responsibility towards Bipin, stating that he views Bipin not just as a citizen of a friendly nation but as if he were “our own citizen”. He reassured the family that both he and his government are making continuous and exhaustive efforts for Bipin’s release. Furthermore, President Herzog suggested that if the Nepali government were to engage in renewed dialogue with relevant Arab countries regarding this matter, it could significantly strengthen the efforts for Bipin’s release or help ascertain his true condition. This indicates a desire for a multi-faceted approach involving regional diplomatic channels.
Speaker Ohana’s Commitment to Bilateral Ties and Ongoing Search
The Joshi family and Ambassador Pandit also held a constructive meeting with the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament, Mr. Amir Ohana. During this discussion, Speaker Ohana affirmed that Bipin Joshi’s case is of great concern to Israeli authorities, and he remains actively sought. He underscored the warm and friendly nature of the Nepal-Israel relationship, noting that the ongoing efforts for Bipin’s release have further solidified these ties.
Speaker Ohana confirmed that Israel is making vigorous efforts to secure the release of Bipin and all other hostages. He also recalled a recent meeting with his Nepali counterpart in Geneva, where Bipin’s situation was a central topic of discussion, thereby reiterating the continuous collaborative efforts from both governments to ensure his return.
The Plight of Bipin Joshi: A National Concern
Bipin Joshi’s abduction two years ago has cast a long shadow over his family and the Nepali community. He was among those tragically captured by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. His prolonged absence has been deeply felt by his family, particularly by his sister Pushpa, whose “endless wait” for his return symbolizes the profound emotional toll of his captivity. The family expresses that his absence has left their traditional festivals, such as Tihar and Teej, incomplete and devoid of joy. The emotional article titled “Dear Brother! I Miss You…” further underscores the personal anguish experienced by his loved ones.
Broader Context of Hostage Release Efforts and Regional Stability
The diplomatic efforts for Bipin Joshi’s release are part of a larger, complex negotiation landscape involving a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. There have been reports of Hamas agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release proposals, bringing “a new ray of hope”. However, the situation remains fluid, with Israel reportedly seeking the release of all captives simultaneously. These broader discussions indicate the intricate nature of achieving the desired outcome for all hostages, including Bipin Joshi.
Strengthening Nepal-Israel Relations Through Shared Humanity
The case of Bipin Joshi has not only brought profound sorrow to his family but has also served to reinforce the enduring friendly ties between Nepal and Israel. The direct engagement of top Israeli leadership with the Nepali family highlights the depth of this bilateral relationship, which extends beyond diplomatic formalities to embrace a shared sense of humanity and responsibility. The presence and active participation of Nepal’s Ambassador, H.E. Dhan Prasad Pandit, in these high-level meetings further demonstrate the Nepali government’s unwavering commitment to securing its citizen’s safe return.
As Bipin Joshi’s mother and sister continue their series of meetings with high-ranking government officials in Jerusalem, there is a shared hope that these diplomatic efforts will yield positive results. The commitment demonstrated by both the Nepali and Israeli governments, along with the compassionate appeals of his family, signifies a concerted, ongoing endeavor to ensure the safe return of Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity. His release remains a priority for all parties involved, reflecting the strong bond between Nepal and Israel and the universal pursuit of justice and human dignity.dignity.
