An Israeli soldier recently released from Gaza shared a surprising account of her time in captivity with members of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, showing respect for her Jewish faith. The fighters provided her and her fellow captives with “prayer books” during their detainment, allowing them to practice their religious rituals and celebrate Passover.
The soldier, Agam Berger, recounted this revelation in a statement reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on a Wednesday evening. She was freed approximately two weeks ago as part of the third wave of ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements between Israel and Hamas. “About a year ago, the prisoners were surprised by armed Hamas members who gave them various items, including a siddur (a Jewish prayer book used for daily prayers and religious holidays),” Berger shared, reflecting on her experience as a hostage. “We don’t know how it happened, but they brought us some materials, including prayer books,” she added. “It wasn’t just a coincidence, it happened when we needed it,” the Israeli soldier continued.
Berger remembered that she and her fellow captives followed the dates on the radio and television, which helped them identify Jewish holidays while in captivity. She explained how she was able to celebrate Passover and refused to eat unleavened bread, stating, “I asked for cornmeal and they brought it to me.” Berger noted that her captors “respected people of faith.” She confirmed that she was able to fast during Yom Kippur and the Fast of Esther.
Meanwhile, the Maariv newspaper quoted Berger as saying that she observed the Sabbath in confinement, being careful not to watch television or listen to the radio. “There was a time when Hamas fighters brought us candles before the Sabbath,” she added. Sabbath candles are a Jewish ritual lit on Friday evening before sunset in preparation for the Holy Sabbath.
Hamas captured Berger on October 7, 2023, from an Israeli military base in the Nahal Oz settlement, releasing her on January 30, four days after the liberation of her fellow soldiers Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Karina Ariv, and Naama Levy. In the same wave when Hamas freed Berger, two civilians, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses, were also released from among the destroyed homes in Jabalia, north of Gaza, along with five Thai citizens.
On January 19, a ceasefire agreement began in Gaza and the prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. This included three stages, each lasting for 42 days. In the first stage, negotiations would be held to proceed with the second and third rounds, with mediation from Egypt and Qatar, as well as the support of the United States.
