On Feb. 2, Agam Berger was finally freed after over 480 days in Hamas captivity.

The world witnessed the distressing images of Agam Berger, bloodied and terrified, alongside four other female soldiers who were abducted from the Nahal Oz IDF base on Oct. 7, 2023. These hostages were paraded through the streets of Gaza by Hamas terrorists, acting as trophies.

At a ceremony held at the Yehezkel Synagogue in Tel Aviv, a traditional meal of thanksgiving was offered to God. Agam, with a trembling voice, pleaded for the 59 hostages remaining in Gaza. She emphasized, “The lives and deeds” she said, “We won’t rest until they all return.”

Her mother, Merav Berger, remarked to Fox News Digital, “I began to feel God shaking my world.” In honor of her daughter, she started observing the Sabbath, even before knowing if Agam was alive. “We grew up traditional, but not religious. Agam didn’t keep Shabbat before. But somehow, she found God – in Gaza, of all places,” she added.

Her faith and identity sustained her during captivity. Initially, Agam and fellow hostage Liri Albag received a radio, which granted them strength as they heard Israelis affirming their worth. However, after a hostage rescue, their captors took the radio, increasing their isolation and fear.

Months later, Hamas guards delivered items to them, including a Jewish prayer book, which became a crucial element in maintaining their connection to faith and each other. Marks in this religious scripture became a means to observe Jewish times.

Despite conditions deteriorating and a day passing as her younger brother celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, Agam persisted with a strong belief in her eventual release. Despite circulating rumors of a hostage deal, she refrained from hope.

Upon her release, Agam was reunited with her family and became an advocate for the remaining hostages, calling for their release at the Yechezkel Synagogue.

This narrative encapsulates the journey of Agam Berger, highlighting her strength, faith, and plea for the release of all hostages still held in Gaza. Her story is not just about survival and release but also about the resilience and faith sustaining the hostages throughout their captivity.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/finding-god-gaza-former-israeli-hostage-found-faith-help-her-survive-hamas-terror