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After 482 Days, Agam Berger Released From Hamas Captivity

Friends and community come together to celebrate 20-year-old Agam’s return after 482 days in captivity | “She’s part of the fabric of the city—it’s family"

התצפיתניות ששוחררו משבי חמאס בחיבוק משותף בבית החולים בילינסון (צילום: דובר צה״ל)
Agam Berger is embraced by Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, four fellow soldiers who were released days before Berger. (Photo: IDF)
By Hadas Yom Tov

Dozens of teenagers showed up to the family home of Agam Berger today to celebrate the return of the 20-year-old from Hamas captivity after 482 days. As images of her release were screened on the television, spontaneous celebrations began, including dance circles, and those present shouted with joy and excitement as they received pictures of her release.

“We are in a crazy state of excitement, really in a storm of emotions,” Alma Amir, a childhood friend of Berger, told Davar. “This is a moment we've been waiting for a long time. A few minutes ago, we saw her parents’ reaction, and it really moves me, along with the fact that she’ll join me very soon. When I meet her, I’ll give her a big hug, pull her close, and tell her, Agam, this nightmare is behind you, you were strong, you are strong now, and you will be strong in the future. We are all with you, you have full support, you have no idea how much we’ve been waiting for you. You are in the safest place you could imagine. We’ll tell her this as much as we need to, and we’ll remind her throughout her life. With God’s help, she will find the peace of mind she deserves.”

Agam Berger’s childhood friends watch her release. (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)
Agam Berger’s childhood friends watch her release. (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)

Berger, who was taken hostage while serving as a surveillance soldier near the border with Gaza, was one of eight hostages released today. Two Israeli civilians were also released, as were five Thai nationals.

Ofri Nivro, Yael Shmeryahu, Maor Arbitman, all 17, and Yahel Cohen, 18, all came from Eylon High School in Holon to show their support. “We’re very excited,” Nivro told Davar.

Students from Eylon High School in Holon who came out to celebrate Agam Berger’s release. (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)
Students from Eylon High School in Holon who came out to celebrate Agam Berger’s release. (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)

“We came to celebrate, finally,” Cohen added. “We waited for her so long.”

“Not every day do hostages get released, especially not a hostage from your own city, where we can come and show support to the family,” Shmeryahu said. “I want her to see that we haven’t forgotten about her, that people came, and that we’re happy she’s home. She’s only a few years older than us, it could’ve been us.”

A photo outside Agam Berger’s family home. The text reads, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. Welcome home Agam.” (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)
A photo outside Agam Berger’s family home. The text reads, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. Welcome home Agam.” (Photo: Hadas Yom Tov)

Arbitman put it simply: “She’s part of the fabric of the city. It’s family.”

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