Friend Recalls How Bipin Joshi Deflected Hamas Grenade, Saving His Life

Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepali student, has been confirmed dead following his abduction by Hamas during an attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. His friend, Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, recounted the harrowing events that led to Joshi’s capture, highlighting his bravery in throwing back a grenade during the assault. The Israeli military recently identified Joshi’s body among four hostages returned under a ceasefire agreement, leaving his family and friends in mourning as they grapple with the loss of a young man who had dreams of a better future.

Bravery Amidst Chaos

On the day of the attack, Bipin Joshi was working on a kibbutz as part of an agricultural exchange program when Hamas launched a surprise assault. Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, who was with Joshi, described how Bipin’s quick thinking saved lives. “At the time of the attack, two grenades were thrown near the bunkers. He picked up one and threw it outside; one exploded inside,” Chaudhary recounted. This act of courage prevented further injuries among the group, although five individuals, including Chaudhary, were hurt in the explosion. Tragically, Joshi was the only one taken hostage as ten other Nepali students lost their lives during the attack.

Chaudhary noted that the group of students had been in Israel for just over three weeks when the violence erupted. They had anticipated some level of conflict but were unprepared for the scale of the ground assault. “We thought that there could be missile attacks and we would be safe if we stayed underground, in the bunkers,” he said. The students had come to Israel under the “Earn and Learn Programme,” hoping to improve their lives and support their families back home.

Grief and Uncertainty

The news of Joshi’s death has sent shockwaves through his community in Nepal. Dhan Bahadur expressed profound sorrow, stating, “All of Nepal is in grief. I do not know what to say. I have no words to explain my sorrow.” He and Joshi had shared dreams of starting their own enterprises after completing their studies. The loss of Joshi has left a void not only in the lives of his friends but also in the hearts of his family members, who had been holding onto hope for his safe return.

Joshi’s family had been actively seeking his release, with his mother and sister traveling to the United States to lobby for the hostages. They received the devastating news of his death just as they were preparing to return home. “His mother and sister are returning from the US on Thursday. The father is not in the condition to express the pain in words,” said Joshi’s cousin, Kishore Joshi. The family is now left to navigate their grief while awaiting the return of Bipin’s remains.

International Response and Future Actions

The Israeli military has indicated that they believe Bipin Joshi was “murdered in captivity during the first months of the war,” although this claim remains unverified. Dhan Bahadur has called for accountability, urging the international community to question Hamas regarding the circumstances of Joshi’s death. Meanwhile, the Nepalese government has expressed its condolences and is coordinating efforts to repatriate Joshi’s body, ensuring that his family receives the support they need during this difficult time.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing deep sympathy for Joshi’s family and committing to uncovering the truth about his death. “We are all shocked by the news of Bipin Joshi’s death. In this time of sorrow, we extend our deep sympathy to the grieving family,” the statement read. As the community mourns, Dhan Bahadur and other students who survived the attack plan to visit Joshi’s family to offer their support and keep his memory alive.

Remembering Bipin Joshi

Bipin Joshi was not just a student; he was a young man with aspirations and dreams. He loved sports and often discussed his goals with friends. “He wanted to get his body in good shape and to buy a new mobile phone,” Chaudhary recalled. The two friends even recorded a song about their friendship, highlighting the bond they shared during their time in Israel.

As the news of Joshi’s death spreads, his family and friends are left to remember the vibrant life he led. Dhan Bahadur, still grappling with the loss, emphasized the importance of honoring Joshi’s memory. “We will keep his memories alive. We will provide our care, support, and consolation to his family,” he vowed. The tragic circumstances surrounding Joshi’s death serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on innocent lives.

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