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.”
