Yagil Yaakov, a 13-year-old Israeli, was kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz along with his older brother Or (15) during the October 7 attack. He was held captive alone in the Gaza Strip for 52 days by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Yagil and his brother Or were freed in November as part of a hostage deal. Tragically, Yagil's father, Yair, who was also taken hostage, was murdered in captivity.
Yagil described spending most of his time sitting, talking, and learning Arabic. He was repeatedly told lies about Israel abandoning the hostages.
Yesterday (Sunday), he shared this magnificent message on Instagram:
"When people ask me about my true connection with God, I answer that in captivity, the only thing that kept me going was the belief that I'm not alone, that I have God with me, the One who watched over me during all my hours in captivity.
This is what's called 'Divine Providence,' a Divine Providence that I truly think I always felt before, I always felt Him with me, protecting me from every trouble and obstacle.
When I returned, I immediately told everyone that I wanted to start wearing a kippah and tzitzit. Everyone laughed in my face saying: 'Are you crazy?! What does a kippah and tzitzit have to do with anything now?' And I told them that during my entire stay in captivity, this is what I thought about.
The time of Selichot (penitential prayers) has arrived, and I feel that I have a lot to ask forgiveness for, and I also feel a strong enough connection to go there to express gratitude, to say thank you for protecting me from my enemies, our enemies.
Father, thank you for the privilege of being here. You chose the right path for me, and you won't regret it!
I love you, Father, and I'm sure you're trying to protect the hostages who are still there."
