A solemn memorial event was held in Kathmandu Thursday to honour the victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel.
Just a few days after the arrival of Nepali students in Israel for the agricultural training program under the Learn and Earn mission, this tragic darkest day in modern history, Hamas terrorists slaughtered over 1200 innocent Israelis and various foreign nationals including 11 Nepali students.
Ten Nepali students were killed on the spot. However, (late) Bipin Joshi was abducted by terrorists from the spot and it was believed by all that Bipin is still alive under the terrorists’ control.
As time flew on, it was just becoming a story with a big hope of returning safely. But with the US President Donald J. Trump’s bold initiation deal brokered between Israel and Hamas after 736 days from October 7 2023 of captivity by Hamas, the news of Nepali student Bipin Joshi came out declaring “Joshi is no longer alive” on October 13, 2025.
Hamas handed over his dead body to the Red Cross on the same day and only recently his dead body in a coffin repatriated to Kanchanpur, Nepal.
At the beginning of the sorrowful event the screening of raw footage that depicted the horrifying scale of atrocities committed by Hamas and other terror groups on October 7, 2023, including scenes of mass murder, kidnappings, and unimaginable acts of horrors that amount to war crimes was screened.
Candles were then lit in memory of the victims, followed by a moment of silence, honoring those who perished.
Speaking at the function, chief guest Supreme Court Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel said, “As peace has no alternative, I hope the recent peace accord will bring lasting peace in the region and justice may prevail for the victims.”
Delivering an emotional address, the Ambassador of Israel to Nepal H.E. Shmulik Arie Bass said, “The brutal attack has permanently linked the fates of our peoples. The Government of Israel remains committed to stand by the victims’ families.”
“The bond between Nepal and Israel is strong and deep-rooted, spanning decades of friendship and cooperation.”
Remembering the day October 7, 2023, the Israeli envoy said, “On the religious most happy day of the Jewish people Israel was hit with the most dreadful tragedy since the Holocaust. The Hamas terror organization together with other jihadi terror groups launched one of the most barbaric attacks on Humans slaughtering babies, toddlers, survivors of the Holocaust among many other old people, women, youngsters, and entire families wiped from earth.”
October 7 was a profoundly dark day for both Israel and Nepal, stressed the Ambassador.
“We honor and will forever remember the courage and strong spirit of these young students.”
He also informed about his visits to those families affected by this tragedy to stand with them in their grief.
Hamas not only physically destroyed lives but also inflicted unbearable psychological torment by offering false hope for two years to Nepalese and Israeli families that their loved ones might still be alive. Israel has always upheld a principle of equal care and justice for foreigners who suffer harm on our soil with the same dedication and respect as our own citizens.
We strongly encourage Nepalese students and workers to continue coming to Israel to pursue education and employment.
In honor of those 11 Nepali students we lost, Israel will establish a memorial at the Israeli Embassy in Kathmandu. The Embassy stands with you—our partners, friends, and family—in every way. We are here to listen, to help, and to support the community as we heal together.
Their brutal murder is a painful wound, but their legacy will inspire us to work tirelessly for peace, progress, and solidarity.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel Ms. Janan Bebar delivered a moving presentation highlighting the human cost of the tragedy.
At the function, a Nepali survivor student recounted his harrowing experience from that day while a family representative of one of the deceased members also shared a story of grief, resilience and remembrance.
An accompanying exhibition featured photographs by several artists including a renowned Israeli photographer Mr. Zivi Cohen, capturing the human toll of the October 7 massacre through powerful visuals.
High-level Nepal government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, media people, and other dignitaries from various walks-of-life attended the tribute program.
(Report based on the Press Release of the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu)
(All pictures were credit from the Embassy of Israel)
