What It’s About

Agam Berger, who served as an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) lookout, shared her harrowing experiences after being held captive by Hamas in Gaza for over a year. Following her release, Berger spoke openly about adapting to captivity under challenging conditions while endeavoring to maintain her connection to Jewish traditions.

Why It Matters

Agam Berger’s account sheds light on the resilience and determination of individuals held against their will, underscoring the enduring spirit and cultural adherence amidst adversity. Her story highlights the harsh realities faced during captivity but also the efforts of Israel and its allies in securing the release of its citizens.

Details

Despite facing fearful circumstances initially due to IDF bombings in Gaza, Berger conveyed her gradual acclimatization. Her captors moved her frequently to curtail IDF intelligence operations attempting to locate hostages. Alongside fellow captive Liri Albag, Berger tried to keep a semblance of normalcy by observing Jewish traditions even in persistent confinement. Efforts to maintain Hebrew rituals, and name an occurrence sometimes addressing indifferent responses by captors, strikingly emphasize her endurance.

Connecting to Judaism

In the continuation of her engagement with Judaism, even during imprisonment by Hamas, Berger relayed persistent efforts to practice faith observances. During Passover, she attempted to celebrate with limited resources, fashioning their own representation of a Haggadah to instill festivity during a challenging time. Similarly, adaptations ensured during Tisha B’Av and Yom Kippur facilitated a sustained connection to her Jewish roots.

Reality Behind Closed Doors

Although occasionally clocking Hebrew-Gregorian dates through limited aid from captors, genuine concern for accurate dates couldn’t be ascertained entirely or universally shared, emphasizing the remarkable resolve of inmates amid isolation.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.