On April 5, 2025, the Hamas terror group released a propaganda video featuring hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kupershtein, providing the first signs of life from both men since their abduction on October 7, 2023.
The Abduction of Herkin and Kupershtein
Both men were kidnapped during the brutal assault on the Nova music festival near Re’im, where terrorists killed over 360 attendees and took at least 40 hostages.
Maxim Herkin, 35 at the time of his abduction, is a dual Russian-Israeli citizen. He is the father of a three-year-old daughter and the primary provider for his mother and 11-year-old brother. Herkin attended the Nova festival by chance, invited by friends at the last minute; it was his first time attending a rave.
Bar Kupershtein, 22 at the time, was part of the staff at the Supernova desert rave. During the attack, he chose to stay behind to provide first aid to the injured rather than fleeing, demonstrating remarkable bravery. Survivors reported that he was last seen tied up by Hamas terrorists before being taken captive.
Families’ Reactions and Ongoing Efforts
The families of both hostages have requested that Israeli media refrain from publishing the footage or details of its contents. Hamas has previously released similar videos of other hostages, actions that Israel condemns as psychological warfare.
As of now, 59 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive. Efforts to secure their release are ongoing, with Israeli authorities and international partners working tirelessly to bring them home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently spoke with Talia Herkin, Maxim’s mother, expressing his personal commitment to securing the return of all hostages.
The Broader Context
The release of this video comes amid intensified military operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. The IDF has launched a new phase aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and dismantle the group’s military infrastructure. In the early hours of this operation, Israeli troops killed multiple Hamas militants and destroyed key command centers in the Shajaiyah area of northern Gaza. Additionally, an airstrike in Sidon, Lebanon, killed senior Hamas commander Hasan Farhat, who was linked to multiple terrorist attacks, including rocket launches into northern Israel.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that diplomatic and military efforts will lead to the safe return of all hostages and a cessation of hostilities in the region.