Kathmandu, Oct 7: A solemn memorial ceremony was held today in Kathmandu, marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, HAMAS terrorist attack in Israel, to remember the victims of the massacre.
According to the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu, on that tragic day, over 1200 innocent Israelis and international citizens lost their lives, including 10 Nepali students. To date, 101 hostages remain in captivity by Hamas, including Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student.
The event, attended by high-level Nepali government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Shalom Club members, and other dignitaries, served as a moment of reflection and solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Israel. The candles were lit and prayers were offered for the peace of the departed souls and for the safe return of the hostages. A moment of silence followed, honoring those who perished.
During the memorial, harrowing stories of Israeli Citizens and Nepali citizens were shared, who were taken hostage by Hamas. Their accounts vividly illustrated the inhumanity of the atrocities and the immense suffering endured. A video showing the horror of the day was also presented, capturing scenes of brutal murders and other horrific acts of violence that occurred on the October 7, 2023. The event also featured a photo exhibition by Ziv Koren, showcasing inhumane and barbaric activities caused by Hamas during the Oct 7 brutal attack.
Mr. Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, delivered a heartfelt address emphasizing the need for global unity against terrorism and expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. He said, “Israel and Nepal share same values of democracy, human tolerance, and multicultural respect. We stand united against terrorism and will continue to spread our message of tolerance and peace.”
Former Foreign Minister of Nepal N.P. Saud expressing his desire for peace and resilience in the face of such tragedy stated, “It has been a year since the awful day of October 7, 2023 when Hamas made the barbaric attack in Israel killing over one thousand people. These deaths and bloodshed devastated many, including the families of ten young Nepali students who had been to Israel to pursue their studies.”
He further added, “Nepal immediately issued a strong statement condemning this heinous act of terrorism. There should be no space for terrorism under any pretext in any circumstances.” He strongly urged for the immediate release of Nepali national, Bipin Joshi, from Hamas captivity.
The gathered community expressed their shared message of peace, paid tribute to the victims, and renewed their hope for a peaceful future free from terror. #hamas #israel #nepal #OCT7
What Ambassador Hanan Goder said?
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
A year ago, on the seventh of October, Israel faced a murderous attack by Hamas terrorists. Lets remember what was there, prior to the attack, on the sixth of October: Israel completed its withdrawal from the entire Gaza strip, thousands of Israelis were uprooted from their homes, the border between Gaza and Egypt was open for trade and for passengers, thousands of workers from Gaza were working in Israel, food supply, electricity and water were entering from Israel into Gaza on daily basis.
This was not enough for Hamas leaders. They planned, armed and then carried this attack on civilians, on schools, on music festival audience, on any person, a Jew or an Arab that happened to be in that area.
Israel tried its best to engage in peace process: We handed territories, responsibilities and funds to our neighbors. All this goodwill was not appreciated. Instead of using the funds for development, it was used to arm their militias. Instead of building greenhouses they dug tunnels trying to bring them the ability to attack Israel, instead of teaching their children how to bring progress and prosperity they taught them how to hate.
Two hundred and fifty hostages were abducted by Hamas terrorists into Gaza, a hundred and one of them are still kept in dark dungeons there. No phone calls, no letters, no medications, and no visit of the red cross since then. We have no information about them.
Dear guests,
Israel will continue to negotiate for their release and for their safe return home to their families. At the same time, we will continue to search for them even if we will have to reach one building after another in Gaza.
During this year a new front was opened, from the north, from the Lebanese border. Again, in 2000 Israel withdrew to the international border from areas that were under our control in Southern Lebanon. And what came out from our good intention? Rockets, Missiles, murderous invasions, 12 murdered children in drone attack and 80,000 Israelis that became refugees inside Israel. Secret refugees, we call them, because since they are in Israel, under the responsibility of the Israeli government they are never mentioned by all those that care for civilians.
Israel will know how to protect itself, to bring the hostages back and to allow our citizens to go back to their homes. We paid the price of our goodwill but now we will know what we have to do.
My Nepali friends,
On the seventh of October, 17 Nepali students were stationed in Kibbutz Alumim in Israel. 17 graduates of agriculture from Sudurpaschim University that joined the “Learn and Earn” program in Israel. At 06:30 in the morning, when rockets and sirens started, they rushed into the shelter. We did not expect that the terrorists will invade and come to murder them. 10 were murdered. only six survived. out of the six survivors four are in Israel studying and working. And the last one is still missing, Bipin Joshi, a hero who managed to save his friends by throwing the terrorist grenade away. He is still held in Gaza. Why? What for? This is the logic of terror that we are facing. When I say we, I mean Nepal and Israel and all democratic countries that share the values of tolerance and freedom, of Democracy and respect to someone that is different than ourselves.
Dear Nepali families, victims of Hamas attack: Your children came to Israel as our guests, after the seventh of October you became part of the Israeli family. In Nepal and in Israel, we will continue to take care of you because, family ties are the most important.
This week we mark the Israeli new year. Let me end with a wish that next year will be a successful one to all our Nepali and Israeli friends wherever they are located.
