A moving reception was held in Bnei Brak on Sunday for Bar Avraham Kupershtein, who was recently released from Hamas captivity in Gaza after months of nationwide tefillos on his behalf. The emotional highlight of the day was his visit to the home of Slabdoka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch.
Kupershtein first arrived with his mother, Mrs. Julie Kupershtein, at City Hall, where Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, Deputy and Acting Mayor Menachem Shapira, and City Director Yisroel Ehrenstein welcomed him at a special session of the City Council. Speaking before the gathered officials and residents, Bar expressed his gratitude for the tefillos that, he said, led to his miraculous release. “I know that it’s because of your tefillos that I am here today,” he said.
Later, Bar visited Rav Hirsch at his home, where he recounted his experiences in captivity beneath Gaza. He described how he observed Shabbos even in the darkness of the tunnels, making Kiddush over water and singing zemiros. Journalist Yisroel Cohen, who accompanied families of the hostages and was present during the meeting, related that Bar told Rav Hirsch about a terrifying moment in captivity: a terrorist entered their holding place and announced that he would kill three of the six hostages, allowing them to decide who would die and who would be wounded. “I said Shema Yisroel and wasn’t afraid,” Bar recalled. “I felt I was in the hands of the Creator.” Miraculously, all of them survived.
During the City Council ceremony, Mayor Zeibert told Bar, “Everyone did their part for the hostages, but the greatest campaigner was your mother, Mrs. Julie. Thank you, and thank you to all the residents of Bnei Brak who prayed and united in tefillah and good deeds. Your joy, Bar, is the joy of us all. Welcome home.”
Deputy Mayor Menachem Shapira added that thousands of residents accompanied Julie through her long and painful ordeal. “It was a journey of kiddush Hashem and emunah that strengthened us all,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who took part in the prayers, initiatives, and acts of kindness.”
Councilman Lama Elharar said, “Not only have you come home, but you have brought home with you a spirit of faith that has inspired tens of thousands. Your mother’s words, ‘Always in Hashem’s hands,’ have become a symbol for so many.” He concluded by leading the audience in an emotional recitation of Mizmor l’Sodah.
Mrs. Julie Kupershtein thanked the mayor and residents for their boundless support. “Thank you to the mayor and to everyone in this city. What an incredible welcome! Thank you for every tefillah, every bit of strength, and every tear. Let’s continue to daven together for the safe return of all those still held captive,” she said.
When Bar rose to speak, many in the hall were moved to tears. “I just want to say thank you to all of you,” he said. “I’m sure that because of your prayers and those of all of Klal Yisroel, I’m here today. Without you, I might still be there.” Removing his cap, he showed the words embroidered on it: Always in the hands of the Creator.
City Director Yisroel Ehrenstein, who emceed the event, told Bar, “You’re returning today to a city that prayed for you. Thousands of minyanim recited Tehillim, children took on kabbalos tovos, schools and shuls organized days of prayer and spiritual growth—all with one heart and one goal: your safe return. Every week, city employees gathered here in this very hall to say Tehillim for the hostages. Every Rosh Chodesh, we held gatherings of inspiration and commitment. Today, we are privileged to see the circle completed.”
Mayor Zeibert presented Bar with a beautifully bound Sefer Tehillim on behalf of the city’s residents. Inside was an inscription that read: “I present you with this Sefer Tehillim as a symbol of the prayers, tears, and faith that accompanied your name every day, in every corner of the city, and in every heart that beat with hope for your safe return. In our darkest moments, we lifted our eyes to Heaven and cried, ‘Me’ayin yavo ezri? Ezri me’im Hashem oseh shamayim va’aretz.’ And now, with heartfelt gratitude to the Creator, we are blessed to see you home, healthy, and whole, reunited with your family.”
{Matzav.com}
