JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Bar Kuperstein, a former hostage survivor and author of the new book “Unbroken”, described in an interview with Benny Teitelbaum on Kan Moreshet his experience coping with captivity and the new meaning the concept of freedom has taken on for him, especially ahead of Pesach.

Kuperstein recounts that from the very first moment of the attack, he and his friends tried to protect the civilians: “We didn’t really have a way to fight, no weapons and no preparation for such a number of terrorists. But we did everything we could, and we managed to save thousands.”

He was later kidnapped and held in captivity for an extended period. “It’s not simple,” he admits. “There are many triggers and thoughts, but I don’t let them defeat me. I try to continue with my routine.”

Ahead of Pesach, Kuperstein reflects on last year, when he was still in captivity:
“I kind of knew it was the time of the holiday, but I didn’t really celebrate. There’s a feeling of distress—you’re there, not at home with your family.”

This year, he says, the experience is completely different: “Finally, I will celebrate the Festival of Freedom at home with my family. It’s very emotional.”

One of the main things that helped him survive, he says, was faith:“I would speak with the Creator, ask for signs and hope. Sometimes I asked for good news and it came. I asked for strength to ask for food, even when it was dangerous, and I received it.”

He also describes the risk involved in even the simplest requests: “They told me that if I asked for food again, they didn’t know what would happen to me. But I would ask, because I was hungry, and so were my friends.”

One of the most powerful moments, he says, was when he heard about a conversation between his mother and a captor:“He told her—your son is in my hands. And she replied: my son is in the hands of G-d and so are you. He was shocked and told her: well done, ma’am.”

Since returning, Kuperstein describes a deep personal change: “I appreciate life much more. I try to observe the Sabbath, to put on tefillin, things I didn’t used to be strict about.” According to him, the faith didn’t remain only in captivity, it continues to guide him in his free life.

Ahead of the holiday, he shares a message with the public: “No matter how difficult things are, be grateful that you have the privilege to celebrate with your family. I didn’t have that last year.”