WATCH: Finally together again - Agam Berger reunites with freed IDF observers in heartwarming reunion
Four of the women—Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa who were freed last Shabbat in the hostage deal have been reunited with their fellow IDF observer, Agam Berger in an emotional heartfelt reunion after being held in Gaza for 16 months as captives.
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The emotional reunion of five female IDF observers, released from Hamas captivity, is a story of both joy and heartbreak. Four of the women—Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniella Gilboa—were freed last Shabbat after enduring over fifteen months in captivity, held hostage by Hamas after the October 7 attack on Israel. The ordeal they went through together in Gaza forged a bond of unbreakable friendship and support.
During their time in captivity, the five women along with Agam Berger were often kept together, providing each other with emotional strength as they faced unimaginable hardships. Despite their harrowing conditions, they leaned on one another, drawing comfort from the shared experience of surviving one of Israel’s darkest moments. Their captivity was a constant test of endurance, but through it all, they formed a sisterhood that would help them survive.
However, their joy at freedom was tinged with the sadness of leaving behind their dear friend, Agam Berger. Agam, a 20-year-old soldier from Holon, was the last of the five Nahal Oz IDF observers still held by Hamas. Following their release, the four other women never stopped thinking about Agam and hoping for her release to come soon.
As they returned home, the women’s hearts were heavy, knowing that their friend remained in the hands of their captors. But their solidarity never wavered. One of the released hostages, Liri Albag, even made the heartfelt offer to stay behind with Agam, to continue to support her, but this was unfortunately refused by Hamas.
The emotional toll of seeing their friends freed while Agam remained behind was nearly unbearable. As they were finally safe, they kept the hope alive for her release, knowing that their bond would not be broken. They repeatedly expressed their hope that Agam would soon be free, and their anticipation of the moment when they would all be reunited again was palpable.
That moment came today when Agam Berger was finally released, and the five women were reunited. Agam, exhausted but resilient, was welcomed with open arms by her four friends. The bond they had formed during their months of captivity was evident in their tearful embraces and shared moments of joy. They had been through so much together, and now, after what felt like an eternity, they could finally hold each other again.
Agam’s release today marked the end of a painful chapter for her family and the four other women. As she made her way to Israel, Agam was rushed to the hospital for checks, her safe return finally secured. Her parents, Shlomi and Merav, were waiting anxiously to hold their daughter in their arms, relieved and overwhelmed by the long-awaited reunion.
This reunion, so many months in the making, is a testament to the strength and resilience of these five women. Their shared experience, forged in the crucible of captivity, has only strengthened their resolve. Today, they are no longer just survivors; they are sisters, bound by the love and support they gave each other when they needed it most. As they embark on the long road to recovery, they know that their bond will remain unbreakable—one that will continue to guide them as they move forward, together.
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