Candlelight Vigil in Israel: Nepali-American Banker Honors 10 Slain Nepali Students, Urges Bipin Joshi’s Release

In a poignant ceremony held at Kibbutz Alumim in Southern Israel, Pravesh Rijal, a Nepali-American banker and philanthropist, lit candles and offered prayers in memory of ten Nepali students tragically killed during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Standing in the heart of an active war zone, Mr. Rijal, who heads the Quantitative Strategies Department at Cross River, a New York-based bank, also called for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen taken hostage by Hamas during the same attack.

The ceremony, organized to honor all victims of the Hamas assault, including the Nepali students, was a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rijal expressed deep sorrow for the loss of his fellow countrymen but also highlighted the solidarity between Nepal and Israel in the face of tragedy.

“Even as we honor the memory of those we lost, my heart remains heavy knowing that many of our own are captives by Hamas, including Bipin Joshi, a Nepali who fell into captivity weeks after he arrived in Israel and while trying to save 15 other Nepalese 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 Rijal.

He reflected on the dreams and aspirations of the ten young Nepali students who had come to Israel to learn, grow, and build a brighter future. “Nepal lost 10 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.

Mr. Rijal also shared a personal story of hope and resilience, recalling how his cousin, Captain Shrawan Rijal, a civilian pilot, led a rescue mission to bring 260 Nepalis home from Israel after the October 7 attacks. “Nepal is a country with no Air Force, and Captain Rijal, a civilian pilot, had to do 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 expressed gratitude to the Israeli people for their support to the Nepali community during these difficult times.

During the vigil, Israeli residents of Kibbutz Alumim, who had lived and worked alongside the Nepali students, shared their memories of the victims and recounted the harrowing events of October 7. They also emphasized the need for greater international attention to the plight of Bipin Joshi, whose captivity remains a pressing concern.

The Hamas attacks in October 2023 claimed the lives of at least ten Nepali students and left several others injured. The Government of Nepal has been actively engaging with the governments of Israel, Qatar, and the international community to secure the safe release of Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage since the attack.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Rijal called for a collective commitment to peace and a world free from violence. “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.