Yad Sarah Hosts Accessible Tour to Oct 7 Memorial Sites

Traveling to Israel's historical, cultural, and memorial sites is often difficult for individuals with mobility challenges. Yad Sarah's "Accessible Pathways" program was launched as an extension of Yad Sarah's wheelchair-accessible van service and enables individuals with mobility challenges to visit commemorative sites across Israel.

Tal Kupershtein, the father of Bar Kupershtein – who was taken hostage at the Nova festival on Oct 7 – joined Yad Sarah's "Accessible Pathways" tour to several of the Oct. 7 memorial sites. Five years ago, Tal Kupershtein was involved in a car accident that required him to undergo numerous surgeries, during which he suffered a stroke. As a result, he lost his ability to speak and now uses a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, Tal is determined to advocate for his son. He began working with a speech therapist to re-learn how to speak and has now reclaimed much of his speech, enabling him to share Bar's story with anyone who will listen.

This tour transported 40 individuals – many of which have mobility challenges – to pay tribute to victims of the massacre. This tour was the first time many program participants could reach these sites. During this tour, participants, including the Kupershtein family, visited the former Sderot police station, the "car cemetery" in Moshav Tekum, and the Nova Festival grounds in Re'im, where Bar was last seen.

Throughout the tour, Tal carried a poster of Bar, symbolizing his relentless hope and determination. At the Nova memorial, as IDF helicopters transported newly released hostages back to Israel, Tal shared Bar's story, highlighting his son's selflessness and bravery.

"We have organized many powerful tours, but this trip is different," said Yaron Aviv, National Director of Yad Sarah's Accessible Transportation Program. "It is an opportunity to remember, to honor, and to ensure that no one is forgotten."