Former Hostage Bar Kupershtein Responds to Car Break-In With Message of Faith

Bar Kupershtein, who returned home this Sukkot after 738 days in Hamas captivity, discovered on Sunday morning that his car in Holon had been broken into. The window was shattered and his phone was gone, but instead of anger, he turned the moment into a message about perspective and gratitude.

Kupershtein’s calm reaction quickly drew attention online. As one of the most outspoken survivors on faith and gratitude released in the latest hostage deal, his words carry weight in a country still processing the trauma of Oct. 7. 

Kupershtein posted footage from his dash camera showing two suspects attempting to break into several vehicles on the street. “He didn’t settle for stealing my iPhone; he wanted cars from others as well,” he said, noting that the footage captured the attempted thefts clearly. 

In a video to his followers, Kupershtein described the moment he discovered the damage. “This morning I went to my car, and I found they had broken in and smashed the window. But you know what? It’s all right. Thank God for everything, we need to look at the half-full side of the glass. But you know what? Everything is okay. Thank God for everything — we need to look at the half-full side of the glass. Thank you that what I’m dealing with now is going to the police station to file a complaint, and not being in tunnels wondering what I’ll have to eat, or if they’ll bring me food. Although it’s not pleasant, but it’s more interesting — so thank God this is what I’m dealing with.””

Later that evening, Kupershtein used an Apple tracking app to determine the device’s location in Petah Tikva. A friend from his army service went there, found the phone, and returned it. Kupershtein posted a photo holding the recovered device, writing, “He literally found my phone — what a champ. Thank you so much.” 

The timing turned out to be remarkably fortunate as well. Kupershtein was already on his way to a Yat Kislev event to speak about his experiences in captivity. The gathering happened to be held just minutes from Petah Tikva, allowing his friend to return the phone to him immediately. Kupershtein shared the story with the audience, telling them he had even said to the thief that he wasn’t angry, he only wanted the phone back. 

Kupershtein was a security guard at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7. Though he could have escaped, he chose to stay behind to assist the wounded and help others flee. Hamas terrorists captured him, filmed him, and held him for nearly two years. 

Since coming home, Kupershtein has spoken openly about trying to rebuild life piece by piece. Sunday’s break-in became another moment for him to deliver the outlook that has guided him since his release of choosing gratitude over frustration, and faith over anger.