Nepali-American Banker Lights Candles for Fallen Nepalis, Urges Bipin Joshi’s Safe Release

Israel – A Nepali-American banker and philanthropist, Pravesh Rijal, has lit candles and prayed on Tuesday in memory of ten Nepali students killed during the Hamas attacks at an Israeli kibbutz in October 2023.

Standing in an active war zone at Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel, Mr Rijal, who is head of the Quantitative Strategies Department at Cross River – a New York-based bank – called for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen who was taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

Addressing a ceremony organised in memory of all those killed during the Hamas attack, including Nepali citizens, Mr Rijal said that standing in the place where ten of his fellow Nepali countrymen had lost their lives, he felt profound sorrow but also a deep sense of solidarity between Nepal and Israel.

“Even as we honour the memory of those we lost, my heart remains heavy knowing that many of our own are captives of Hamas, including Bipin Joshi, a Nepali who fell into captivity weeks after he arrived in Israel while trying to save 15 other Nepalis from grenades. We pray for his safe return, along with all the other innocent hostages, and urge the world to stand united in securing their freedom,” said Mr Rijal.

“Nepal lost ten students here to attacks by Hamas. These ten young students came here with hope in their hearts—to learn, to grow, to build a future. Their dreams were cut short in a moment of terror. But today, as we light these candles, we ensure that their light does not go out. Their memory will endure in the hearts of their families, in the spirit of our two nations, and in the commitment we share to peace and resilience,” Mr Rijal added.

He recalled how his cousin, Captain Shrawan Rijal, led the flight that brought 260 Nepalis home from Israel after the 7 October attacks. “Nepal is a country with no air force, and Captain Rijal, a civilian pilot, had to carry out the rescue flight in his Airbus 330. His role in that mission reminds me that even in our darkest moments, there are those who rise to bring light—those who extend their hands in rescue, in compassion, and in unwavering support,” said Mr Rijal. He also thanked the citizens of Israel for their support of the Nepali community in these difficult times.

“Today, as we stand together in grief, let us also stand together in hope. Let us commit to building a world where no life is lost to violence, where young people can pursue their dreams in peace, and where light always triumphs over darkness. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May their families find strength,” he added.

Speaking to Mr Rijal, Israeli people who lived and worked with Nepali students at the kibbutz told him how the event unfolded, remembered the students who were killed, and demanded that the international media pay more attention to Bipin Joshi.

At least ten Nepalis were killed, and several others were injured during the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. The Government of Nepal has been urging the governments of Israel, Qatar, and the international community to assist in the safe and secure release of Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage during the attack.