In an interview with KAN News, released hostage Chen Goldstein-Almog, who had been freed with her three children a year ago, suggested that there may be another hostage still held in Gaza, using braids as a method of sending a message. Goldstein-Almog hinted that some female captives could be braiding the hair of those about to be freed, possibly as a sign of support or solidarity. However, she refrained from identifying the specific individual involved, out of concern for their safety.
Reports from earlier in the year indicate that Agam Berger, the daughter of Merav Berger, had been involved in braiding the hair of fellow captives before their release. Agam, who is still in captivity, reportedly styled the hair of the other women, even as she remained behind. This has been confirmed by Merav Berger, who described her daughter's role in a touching message about her bravery.
The focus on braids began to gain attention after the first wave of hostages was freed in December 2023. KAN News reported that one of the released hostages, a 17-year-old girl, shared that female captives had braided her hair just before she was handed over to the Red Cross.
The topic resurfaced in May when Agam Goldstein-Almog, daughter of Chen Goldstein-Almog, paid tribute to Agam Berger on her birthday. The young Goldstein-Almog recounted how she had called her father during the final stages of her captivity, with her braids intact, as a symbol of the solidarity shared between the women.
For the families of the hostages still held in Gaza, including Naama Levy, whose father Yoni Levy has been vocal about his daughter's condition, the braids serve as a small but powerful sign that their loved ones are not alone. Levy, who was taken alongside other female soldiers on October 7, 2023, remains in captivity, and her family continues to hold onto hope. Some reports from freed hostages have mentioned seeing Levy and other girls still imprisoned by Hamas, leading to speculation that their hair, too, might be braided, just as a sign of care and unity.
The emotional significance of these braids, particularly among young women and female soldiers, has not gone unnoticed. In a cruel twist of fate, the term "sabaya," used by Hamas to refer to female captives, adds another layer of urgency and distress to the plight of these women. For many, the braids represent a defiant act of solidarity, a quiet rebellion against the oppressive conditions they face, and a reminder that their fight for freedom is far from over.
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