Agam Berger, the IDF lookout who was released roughly two weeks ago from Hamas captivity as part of the initial phase of the hostage exchange, met with Rebbetzin Tzili Schneider, chairwoman of the Kesher Yehudi organization, and media figure Shneor Webber. During their meeting, she shared the heart-wrenching story of her survival.
Berger explained that while in captivity, Hamas terrorists gave the hostages various items, including a siddur. “It’s not clear how it happened, but they just gave us siddurim,” she shared. “We used them a lot; it gave us strength.”
She recounted how the hostages adhered to the Hebrew calendar as best they could, striving to observe Yomim Tovim and important dates whenever possible. “I knew more or less when the chagim were approaching based on the radio and television,” she said. “During Pesach, I avoided chometz and made do with corn flour.”
Yom Kippur was particularly significant for her, she noted. “We were able to observe the fast, and we davened a lot that day. I also fasted on Taanis Esther. It was something I felt I had to do.”
Despite these moments of strength, Berger also expressed the emotional strain of being separated from her fellow captives. The other four lookouts—Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa—were released five days earlier than Agam. “When I realized my friends were already home, it was unimaginable. I knew they were going to release me, but until the very last moment, I wasn’t sure it would happen.”
Even in such dire conditions, Berger attributed her endurance to her faith. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through it without my faith – it’s what gave me hope.”
Rebbetzin Schneider, who was a source of support for Berger’s family throughout Agam’s time in captivity, said, “To hear about Agam’s devotion to keeping mitzvos under impossible conditions is a great privilege. She sanctified God’s name publicly and moved the entire Jewish people.”
{Matzav.com Israel}