Kathmandu, August 18
The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi from Kanchanpur, Bipin who was taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, met with the Israeli President and the Speaker of Parliament.
Bipin’s mother Padma and sister Pushpa, who had traveled to Israel in search of him, held talks with President Isaac Herzog and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
The meeting, coordinated by the Nepali Embassy in Israel, was also attended by Ambassador Dhan Prasad Pandit.
During the meeting, Joshi’s mother Padma requested President Herzog to take immediate steps for his release.
His sister Pushpa also urged for special efforts to ensure her brother’s safe return to Nepal, according to the embassy.
According to the embassy, President Herzog said that he and his government were constantly aware of Joshi’s case.
“Nepali student Bipin Joshi feels like one of our own citizens. Our government is working day and night for his release,” the embassy quoted Herzog.
He also expressed the belief that progress could be achieved if the Nepali government made further efforts with the concerned Arab countries.
The Speaker of Parliament, Amir Ohana, was also requested to take initiatives for Joshi’s release. Amir responded that efforts for his release were still ongoing.
Joshi, an agriculture student, had gone to Israel under the “Learn and Earn” program. He has been out of contact since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. He is reported to have been taken hostage by Hamas. His companions also testified that Hamas had taken him. In the same incident, 10 Nepali students lost their lives.
