Heartwarming
Freed Hostage Eitan Mor Recites Birkat HaGomel in Emotional Synagogue Ceremony
Eitan Mor, released from captivity in Gaza after exactly two years, recited the HaGomel blessing at the synagogue built in his merit. His mother Efrat shared the moving moment in a special post: “Candies were thrown, tears fell, and Eitan’s voice was heard. Not loud, but heart-trembling.”
Eitan Mor, the Israeli hostage released from Hamas captivity in Gaza after exactly two years, recited the traditional HaGomel blessing (a prayer of gratitude for surviving grave danger) during Shabbat services at a synagogue built in his merit near his home.The moving moment took place last Shabbat (Parashat Lech Lecha), just weeks after Mor’s return on the eve of Simchat Torah.
His mother, Efrat Mor, shared the emotional scene in a heartfelt Facebook post published late Saturday night.“Candies were thrown, tears fell, and Eitan’s voice was heard. It was not loud, but heart-trembling,” she wrote. “My son, whom I received as a miracle at age 25, stood before the Torah scroll and the Holy Ark, thanking God for the kindness shown to him.”
The synagogue, located directly below the family’s home, was constructed during Mor’s captivity as a communal act of prayer and solidarity by the people of Israel.
Efrat described the rapid organization of a community kiddush to mark the occasion: “As soon as we learned Eitan wanted to recite HaGomel, I told my husband there was no way we wouldn’t celebrate. With neighbors’ help, we pulled it together in no time.”
She reflected on the contrast between the horrors her son endured and the joy of the moment: “I kept imagining this day for two years. But I never dreamed of the emotion in that room. The men’s and women’s sections were full. As Eitan spoke, the stories of terror he told flashed through my mind. So did the countless miracles he lived through. I’m sure we haven’t heard them all.”
Mor Recounts October 7 Chaos
Just over a week ago, Mor met with Eliyahu and Avishag Libman, parents of Elyakim Libman Hy”d, who was murdered while rescuing partygoers at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.
During the conversation, Mor described the chaos in a grove near the festival site:
“People started running toward us. Gunfire came close. We dropped to the ground. I heard screaming, girls crying. We thought, ‘That’s Tavor rifles. Golani is saving us.’ We had no idea what was really happening.”
He recalled trying to contact family:
“I called my dad. Then I remembered it was a holiday, no phone. I video-called my uncle and said, ‘Call the army. What’s going on?!’”
Mor received a message from Elyakim Libman: “I’m in the tent with the wounded.”
“I told my friend Rom, ‘I’m going to Elyakim. I have to check on him,’” Mor said.
He then moved toward the medical area, where he and Rom Braslavski were both abducted.
Elyakim Libman successfully evacuated numerous festival attendees before returning to help the wounded. He was killed by Hamas terrorists who overran the area. Mor and Braslavski were among the 251 people kidnapped on October 7. Mor spent exactly 730 days in captivity before his release.