From CBN News
Former Israeli hostages have been sharing some extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience since their release.
CBN News which compiled these testimonies writes that they “echo the experiences of Biblical heroes like Daniel, Esther, and Paul.”
“I CHOSE THE PATH OF FAITH”
20-year-old soldier Agam Berger was held in captivity for 482 days.
During her time in Gaza, she made a profound spiritual choice as she started keeping Shabbat.
Upon her release, she wrote on a whiteboard: “I chose the path of faith, and by the path of faith, I returned.”
While in captivity, she asked her captors for a siddur (Jewish prayer book).
One of them laughed at her request.
But she prayed to God, and two days later, he returned with a siddur he had found in Khan Yunis.
“Your God loves you,” he told her.
The prayer book was most likely left behind by an IDF soldier.
HOW CAPTURED FEMALE SOLDIERS OBSERVED JEWISH HOLIDAYS
Despite their circumstances, Agam and fellow soldier and hostage Liri Albag, 19, observed Jewish holidays as best they could.
They kept track of time by watching TV and listening to the radio.
“We missed both Hanukkah holidays, but we celebrated Passover, and I didn’t eat chametz (leavened food).”
“I asked for cornmeal, and they brought it to me.”
“Somehow, they valued me more because I was religious.”
For Sukkot, they made decorations.
For Rosh Hashanah they requested honey and a carrot.
They even fasted on Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av which is an annual Jewish fast day.
Berger said keeping Shabbat gave her strength. “I simply refused to light a fire on Shabbat.”
Liri recalled that, despite everything, they sang, celebrated birthdays, and kept diaries, though the captors didn’t allow them to bring the journals back.
A BOTTLE OF GRAPE JUICE THAT NEVER RAN OUT
23-year-old Omer Shem Tov was held in Gaza’s tunnels for 505 days.
He recalled a miraculous moment when a small bottle of grape juice used for Kiddush, the Shabbat blessing, never ran out or spoiled.
He compared it to the Hanukkah miracle where the Maccabees’ oil meant for one day lasted eight days.
“This is just one of many stories that showed me how good God is, how much He was with me there.”
In a heartfelt video, Omer shared: “During my captivity, I felt every prayer you prayed for me; and even in the darkness, I had light.”
“THE POWER OF FAITH IS INSANE”
52-year-old Eli Sharabi was held in Gaza for 491 days.
He had never been religious before, but his captivity led him to pray.
“I’m not a religious person, but from the first day I was kidnapped, every morning I said Shema Yisrael (Hear O Israel) which I had never said in my life.”
“The power of faith is insane. There’s someone watching over you.”
The Shema is one of Judaism’s most sacred prayers, found in the book of Deuteronomy: “Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.”
It is a central Jewish prayer recited twice daily in morning and evening prayer services.
Eli’s brother Sharon said he made Kiddush every Friday night and sang Eshet Chayil, a traditional song of blessing, praying for Eli’s release.
Holding onto their faith kept them both going.
BLESSINGS OVER FOOD
65-year-old Keith Siegel began praying during his 482 days in captivity.
He started saying blessings over food, which he had never done before, and reciting the Shema prayer for the first time.
“Even in the tunnels, I found ways to feel His presence,” he said, thanking God for his survival.
After his release, his daughter asked what he wanted for their first Shabbat meal together.
His answer surprised her: “You know what I want most of all? A kippah (Jewish brimless skullcap displaying reverence to God) and a Kiddush cup.”
SINGING PSALM 121 ON THE DAY OF RELEASE
23-years Omer Wenkert was held captive for 505 days.
On the day of their release, as he and the other hostages sat handcuffed with their eyes covered, they began singing a verse from Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
“MAYBE I’M SUPPOSED TO BE IN THIS PLACE”
30-year old Sapir Cohen was held captive in Gaza for 55 days.
Despite the horror, she never lost her faith.
Reflecting on her time in captivity, Cohen described a powerful moment:
“I think one of the biggest miracles I felt was: Maybe I’m supposed to be in this place.”
Rather than despair, she thanked God for bringing her there.
Now, she shares her story of hope worldwide.
Source: CBN News
Photo: Israel Prime Minister’s Office
