Former hostage Bar Kuperstein visited the sukkah of United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher in Bnei Brak during Sukkos, marking a moving encounter one year after his release from Hamas captivity.

Kuperstein arrived together with his parents, Tal and Julie, and was warmly received by Asher and members of his family.

During the visit, the family told Kuperstein that throughout the two years he was held captive in Gaza, they had dedicated tefillos to his release and the return of the other hostages.

Kuperstein spoke about the extraordinary emunah he developed while being held in Hamas tunnels and reflected on the miracles surrounding his survival and eventual release.

He shared the phrase that has become closely associated with his story: “Bar is in the hands of the Creator,” describing himself as a “survivor of faith.”

Kuperstein’s father thanked Asher for standing alongside the family during their prolonged campaign for Bar’s release, including through his work in the Knesset and with government authorities.

Asher told Kuperstein that his daughter had personally taken upon herself to daven for his release. The family described the meeting as an emotional closing of a circle after spending two years praying for someone they had never personally met.

Kuperstein has repeatedly spoken since his release about the strengthening of his emunah during captivity and the role that faith played during some of his most difficult moments.