Released Israeli Soldier Recounts Observing Jewish Traditions During Hamas Captivity

In a recent interview, Israeli soldier Agam Berger shared her experiences during her time as a hostage in Gaza, highlighting how her captors permitted her to observe Jewish religious practices. Berger, who was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal, expressed surprise at the unexpected respect for her faith during captivity.

Observance of Jewish Rituals in Captivity

Berger recounted that she and fellow captives were astonished when their captors provided them with Jewish prayer books, known as siddurim. "We have no idea how it happened, but they simply handed us prayer books," she said, describing the gesture as "particularly unusual." This provision allowed the captives to maintain their religious practices, offering a semblance of normalcy in an otherwise dire situation.

Celebrating Jewish Holidays

Despite the challenging circumstances, Berger managed to observe significant Jewish holidays. She noted that they could roughly determine the dates of these holidays through radio broadcasts and television segments, which helped them understand when the holidays were approaching. For Passover, although traditional foods were scarce due to the ongoing conflict and resulting shortages, her captors provided corn flour, enabling her to observe the holiday's dietary restrictions. On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, Berger and others were able to fast and engage in prayer, with Berger recalling, "We managed to fast, and I remember praying a lot that day." She also observed the Fast of Esther, feeling a personal obligation to maintain this tradition despite the circumstances.

Faith as a Source of Strength

Berger emphasized that her faith was a crucial source of hope and resilience during her captivity. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, "I don’t know how I would have survived without my faith. In the end, that’s what gave me hope." This sentiment underscores the profound role that spiritual beliefs can play in sustaining individuals through extreme adversity.

Contrasting Treatment of Prisoners

While Berger's account sheds light on her experience, it's important to recognize the broader context of prisoner treatment in the region. Many Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails have reported experiencing torture, ill-treatment, medical negligence, and deprivation of basic rights during their incarceration, with numerous individuals requiring hospitalization upon release. These reports highlight the stark disparities in the treatment of prisoners on both sides of the conflict.

Ongoing Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire

The prisoner exchange deal, under which Berger was released, has seen the liberation of 19 Israeli captives and five Thai workers in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners. An additional 14 Israelis are expected to be released as part of the deal's first phase, which includes a total of 33 Israeli hostages. A ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza since January 19, pausing hostilities that have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation in the enclave.

International Legal Proceedings

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the enclave. These legal proceedings reflect the international community's ongoing concern regarding the conduct of the conflict and the treatment of individuals on both sides.