This incredible 13 year old

Ex-hostage's newfound faith inspires us all

Former Hamas hostage, 13, has taken to social media to express his renewed religious commitments after he was released: "Whoever is looking for me, I will be keeping Shabbat."

Yagil Yaakov (Photo: Social media)

Yigal Yaakov, a 13-year-old Israeli who spent nearly two months in Hamas captivity, has shared his remarkable journey of spiritual transformation following his release.

In a touching social media post this weekend, the teenager, now wearing a kippah, announced to his followers: "If you're looking for me - I'm observing Shabbat."

Yaakov was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Hamas attacks, along with his brother Or. After being released as part of the November hostage deal, he has been increasingly vocal about his newfound religious faith - a direct result of his harrowing experience in captivity.

"During captivity, all that kept me going was the faith that I wasn't alone," Yaakov shared in a recent social media post. "God watched over me during every hour I was held hostage."

The young survivor's spiritual journey hasn't been without its challenges. "When I returned, I immediately told everyone I wanted to start wearing a kippah and tzitzit. Everyone laughed in my face," he wrote. "They asked if I was crazy, but they didn't understand - I thought about this throughout my entire time in captivity."

Recently, Yaakov shared another emotional message: "When Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) arrived, I knew the best time in my life had come. Creator of the World, you've strengthened my faith this year, made me believe that everything will be good in the end."

His most recent posts reflect a deep sense of gratitude: "I feel I have much to ask forgiveness for, but I also feel a strong enough connection to give thanks for protecting me from our enemies."

Channel 14 contributed to this article.

Hamas Hostages

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


October 7 failures cause delay in IDF officers' promotions

Katz delays promotion of two IDF officers pending October 7 investigation
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 13:54

A hostage a day - Egypts new hostage proposal

One hostage every day: Egypt with a new proposal for a hostage deal
Eliana Fleming | 12:06

It's About Time

Israel cuts off Haaretz from all public funding
1
| Avi Woolf | 11:38

Cars torched; Netnayahu effigy burned

MONTREAL: Violence erupts at Pro-Hamas protest
Gila Isaacson | 23.11.24

Is this just more propaganda?

Hamas: Female Israeli hostage killed in Gaza; another hostage critical
Gila Isaacson | 23.11.24

Trump Inherits Biden's Biggest Challenge

What we know about  Israel's newest lead hostage negotiator
Gila Isaacson | 23.11.24

Gallant blasts ICCs' decision on arrest warrant

Gallant on the arrest warrant against him: "The court's decision will be remembered for eternity"
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Netanyahu Rejects Hague Ruling: 'We Will Not Yield to Anti-Israel Pressure'

Netanyahu addresses the arrest warrants: "The court has today become an enemy of humanity"
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Imminent Hostage Deal?

BREAKING: Highest chance for hostage deal since October '23
Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24

What's killing our soldier in Gaza?

Heartbreak: The mistake that led to the fall of fighters in Gaza
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Even Haaretz agrees

The Feldstein affair: A security situation gone way too far 
Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24