This marks the first confirmed sign of life from either of the young men since their kidnapping. Maxim Harkin’s family confirmed they recognized his voice in the video. Per the families’ request, the footage or any excerpts from it will only be published with their approval.
Kupershtein, an EMT, was working security at the festival
Bar Kupershtein, a trained medic with United Hatzalah, was working as a security guard at the Nova festival when he was abducted. Friends who viewed the footage say he appeared bound and lying on the floor, clearly shouting his own name. Bar, in his twenties, was the primary provider for his family after his father, Tal, became disabled in a serious car accident five years ago.
Tal, still undergoing intensive rehabilitation, is fighting to walk and speak again while waiting for his son’s return. The family’s financial situation is dire, with their bank accounts frozen. Bar’s younger siblings have taken the lead in public advocacy efforts to bring him home.
I’m slowly coming home
Maxim Harkin, also taken from the Nova festival, had gone to the event spontaneously at a friend’s invitation. A resident of Tirat Carmel, he lived with his single mother and 11-year-old brother and served as the family’s main support. He is also the father of a three-year-old daughter.
Moments before being taken, Maxim sent his mother a final message: “Mom, everything’s okay. I’m slowly coming home,” followed by, “Mom, I love you.” After that, all contact was lost.
In recent weeks, Hamas has escalated its psychological warfare by releasing propaganda videos of hostages it continues to hold, including Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Chaim Ohana. Those hostages, for instance, said their conditions in captivity had deteriorated since the fighting resumed in Gaza.
