Agam's release was initially scheduled for Saturday, but her mother, fearing that the media coverage would violate the sacredness of Shabbat, asked the press to hold off on filming or reporting on her daughter’s return until after the holy day. "Please don’t break Shabbat—no filming or being filmed. Wait until after Shabbat. There will be plenty of time then," Meirav pleaded, during a ceremony to separate challah in her daughter’s honor.
Meirav, who had consulted with rabbis, including a senior IDF rabbi, shared that the family was eagerly awaiting their daughter's return, but she wanted to minimize any violation of Shabbat. "We are doing everything we can to make sure Shabbat is not desecrated," she said. Despite some criticism of her request, Meirav remained steadfast in her belief that honoring Shabbat was paramount.
Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri echoed Meirav’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Sabbath. "Today, with all of Israel, we will light Shabbat candles and pray deeply for your daughter’s safe return and for all the hostages," he said, acknowledging the family's devotion to maintaining their traditions.
Agam, who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz base on October 7th along with several other female soldiers, is expected to be one of the hostages released in the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. In exchange for each female soldier, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists serving life sentences.
Although the release was initially planned for Saturday, the change to Thursday is being seen by many as a divine sign. Meirav’s prayer to avoid a Shabbat desecration appears to have been answered, with Agam's release moved to a day that would allow for full respect for the Sabbath.
As part of the exchange, Hamas will release three hostages, including Agam, on Thursday, and three more hostages will be freed in a separate deal scheduled for Saturday. The government has confirmed that the names of the hostages, including Agam’s, will be provided to mediators by Friday.
For now, Israel anxiously waits for Agam’s release, grateful that her return is set to occur in a way that aligns with the sacred observances of Shabbat.
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