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The last female IDF hostage has been released

Who is Agam Berger, IDF lookout just freed from Hamas?

Today marks the joyous return of Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, who was released after more than 16 months of captivity under Hamas. Agam is the first hostage to be released today.

Agam Berger

Agam, from Holon, was abducted on October 7, 2023, just one day after beginning her assignment as a military lookout at the Nahal Oz outpost, located near Gaza.

In the harrowing footage released from the October 7 attacks, Agam is seen with a bloodied face, though it is unclear if the blood was hers or from fellow soldiers who were killed in the shelter beside her. This image would later become one of the most iconic moments of the tragedy. Agam was the last of the five female lookouts stationed at Nahal Oz to remain in captivity. While her fellow soldiers—Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa—were freed in the following months, Agam was kept behind, much to the despair of her family.

Agam’s abduction came about unexpectedly. Originally, she was set to be stationed at Kerem Shalom, but at the last moment, her assignment was changed to Nahal Oz. On her first day at the outpost, she was violently taken by Hamas terrorists. The terror group captured Agam and her colleagues, and footage from the incident was later made public by her family. In the video, Agam and her fellow soldiers are seen being taken captive, their fates sealed by a tragic and violent twist of circumstance.

Throughout her captivity, Agam demonstrated remarkable strength. Freed hostages who had spent time with her reported that Agam remained steadfast in her beliefs, even in the direst of conditions. She continued to observe Shabbat, refusing to desecrate it by cooking food, despite the demands of her captors. Her devotion to her faith, even under the most challenging circumstances, made a deep impression on those around her.

Agam’s family, including her twin sister Li-Yam, her parents Merav and Shlomi, and her two younger brothers, Bar and Ilay, displayed immense resilience during the months of uncertainty. In a touching moment during Agam’s captivity, Agam Goldstein-Almog, another freed hostage, called Agam’s father on November 26, her birthday, to relay a message: “I was with your Agam in captivity, and she asked me to wish you a happy birthday.” Agam’s family never lost hope, continuing to support one another and wait for her safe return.

Agam’s mother, Merav, described the pain of watching the full footage of her daughter’s abduction. "I had already seen the end of the video, but watching it in full closed the circle. The sheer number of terrorists, their indifference... they came in, kidnapped, murdered and then laughed. Where was the IDF? Where was the State of Israel?" Despite these harrowing moments, Agam’s family found strength in their unwavering belief that she would return home.

In addition to being a military lookout, Agam is a talented violinist, having played since the age of eight. She also volunteered with special-needs populations, demonstrating her compassionate and giving nature. At home, her room has become a symbol of hope and anticipation, filled with photos, messages of support, and memories of her friends and family.

Agam’s return today is not just a personal victory, but a testament to her strength, resilience, and devotion to her family and her beliefs. As she reunites with her loved ones, the nation celebrates her release, and her story serves as a symbol of the courage that continues to shine even in the darkest of times.

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