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The Reunited IDF Hostage Observers: A Bond Forged in Captivity

Released IDF Observers Prepare to Reunite with fellow hostage, Agam Berger

Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa prepare to finally be reunited with Agam Berger, the last IDF observer to be released from Hamas captivity. As the girls were kept together during much of their time in Gaza, the hostages have formed an unbreakable bond.

Eliana Fleming
Eliana Fleming
4 min read
Released hostages prepare to be reunited with Agam Berger following her release
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The release of four female IDF hostages last Shabbat brought both relief and bittersweet emotions as they were freed from Hamas captivity after enduring harrowing conditions together. Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa, who were all stationed as military observers at the Nahal Oz outpost during the October 7 attack, spent much of their captivity side by side, forming an unbreakable bond. The friendships forged during their harrowing ordeal have proven to be a source of strength and support, even as they faced the agony of leaving one of their own behind: Agam Berger, who was the last of the Nahal Oz observers still in captivity.

The 5 IDF observers were abducted by Hamas during the attack on the outpost, and much of their time in captivity was spent together, confined to the same space. Despite the extreme conditions they faced, the women remained steadfast in their unity, drawing comfort and courage from one another. They shared stories, memories, and their hopes for the future, all while enduring unimaginable hardship. These shared experiences transformed them into a family, with an unspoken understanding of the trauma they had all suffered.

However, the release of these four hostages on Shabbat was marred by the painful reality that Agam, who had remained in captivity when her fellow hostages were freed, was still being held by Hamas. The captors' decision to leave her behind was arbitrary, and the women were heartbroken to leave their friend and comrade in captivity. One of the released hostages even offered to stay behind with Agam until she was released, but her request was refused by the captors. The emotional toll of being reunited with their families while Agam remained in the hands of their captors weighed heavily on the four girls, but they held onto the hope that she would soon be freed.

Today, their hope was realized. Agam Berger, the 20-year-old military observer from Holon, was finally released by Hamas and safely arrived in Israel. Agam, who had been held captive for more than 16 months, was reunited with her family and rushed to the hospital for medical checks after the ordeal. Her parents, Shlomi and Merav, as well as her twin sister, Li-Yam, and her two younger brothers, Bar and Ilay, were waiting anxiously for her return. The joy of reuniting with their beloved daughter and sister was immeasurable, but they also felt the heavy emotional weight of the journey Agam had endured.

Agam's return was a poignant moment not only for her family but for the other four hostages who had shared her captivity. The bond between these women is now stronger than ever, built on the shared experience of suffering and survival. The four women who were released earlier are overjoyed to know that Agam has returned to her family, and the thought of reuniting with her again brings them immense relief and joy. Their friendship, forged in the darkness of captivity, now serves as a light for each of them as they continue to heal.

In her time in captivity, Agam remained true to her values, even under immense pressure from her captors. As a deeply religious person, she continued to observe Shabbat, refusing to violate the sacred day even when Hamas terrorists ordered her to cook food. Her unwavering commitment to her beliefs, as well as her strength and resilience, earned her the respect of the other hostages. Agam's actions, as well as her positive spirit during captivity, inspired those around her, including the other four women who were ultimately freed.

Now that Agam has safely returned to Israel, she faces the difficult task of processing her traumatic experience and beginning her journey of recovery. Her family, friends, and the other freed hostages are rallying around her, providing the love and support she needs during this time of transition. The emotional scars of captivity are deep, but Agam's strength and the bond she shares with the other hostages will undoubtedly help her in the days ahead.

As Agam continues her recovery in the hospital, the four released hostages are eagerly awaiting the chance to reunite with her in person. The connection they share—built on survival, support, and unwavering solidarity—will serve as a foundation for the rest of their lives. And as they continue to heal from their ordeal, they are bound by the hope that one day, they will all be able to share the memories of their time together, not as hostages, but as friends who survived together against all odds.


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