On that tragic day, over 1200 innocent Israelis and foreign nationals were slaughtered, including 11 Nepali students who were in Israel as part of an agricultural training program.
Among them, late Mr. Bipin Joshi, who was abducted alive on October 7 - “supposedly his fate was not known for two years to Hamas” - but only recently confirmed dead and repatriated to Kanchanpur, Nepal in Coffin following the initiative, brokered by President Trump.
The event, brought together high-level government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, media representatives and other dignitaries, to pay tribute to so many victims and express solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Israel and Nepal.
The program commenced with the screening of raw footage that depicted the horrifying scale of atrocities committed by Hamas and other terror groups on the October 7, 2023, including scenes of mass murder, kidnappings, and unimaginable acts of horrors, that amount to war crimes.
Candles were then lit in memory of the victims, followed by a moment of silence, honoring those who perished.
Ms. Janan Bebar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel delivered a moving presentation highlighting the human cost of the tragedy. She recounted the abduction and execution of Bipin Joshi in captivity, shared the findings of the Dinnah Report on sexual violence and torture, and reflected on the massacre at the Nova Music Festival. She spoke about the deliberate targeting of children, senior citizens, the wiping out of entire neighborhood, as well as the profound unimaginable emotional and physical trauma that continue to haunt survivors and families.
Mr. Basant Raj Bist, a family representative of late Dipesh Raj Bist, who was killed by HAMAS on Oct 7, shared a personal story of grief, resilience and remembrance. Similarly, Mr. Himanchal Kattel, a Nepali survivor also recounted his harrowing experience from that day. Mr. Arjun Hardas, the representative from American Jewish Committee in India, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of solidarity against terrorism.
H.E. Amb. Shmulik Arie Bass, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, delivered a heartfelt address, saying, “The brutal attack has permanently linked the fates of our peoples. The Government of Israel remains committed to stand by the victims’ families.”
The chief guest of the event, Hon. Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal 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.”
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.
The memorial served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance, compassion, and unity in the face of terror- reaffirming that the world must stand united against all forms of terrorism.
