President Isaac Herzog visited freed hostage Bar Kuperstein at the hospital where he is recovering following his release from Hamas captivity. The meeting took place just a day after Kuperstein’s return to Israel.
In a video released by Herzog’s office, the president can be seen greeting Kuperstein warmly, expressing relief at his safe return and inquiring about his condition since arriving home.
“Did they begin feeding you?” Herzog asked, referring to whether Hamas had provided any food in the final days before Kuperstein’s release.
“During the last four days,” Kuperstein responded.
Herzog then reassured him, saying, “What matters is that you’re here.”
The president also took a moment to speak with Kuperstein’s father, Tal, offering him words of praise and encouragement. Tal Kuperstein, who suffered a stroke years ago following a serious car accident, had to relearn how to walk and talk while his son was being held captive in Gaza.
Meanwhile, relatives of hostages released on Monday have begun recounting the survivors’ experiences, which include reports of near-total isolation, extreme hunger, and physical abuse during their time in Hamas custody.
