Speaking to Israel Hayom after leaving the hospital, Deri disclosed that Agam Berger, released Thursday during the Hamas-Israel hostage deal's third swap, "discovered a prayer book in Gaza that became her spiritual anchor throughout her captivity. Agam believes the prayer book was inadvertently left behind by soldiers who had previously been in the area."

In a deeply moving first statement at Beilinson Hospital, Agam revealed to Deri that she "categorically refused to accept the Quran [the Islamic holy book] despite her captors' persistent attempts to persuade her." Yaffa Deri, Margalit Peretz-Deri, and Tzili Schneider from the Kesher Yehudi ("Jewish Connection") organization have been steadfast supporters of the Berger family throughout their 15-month ordeal, accompanying them on journeys, during Sabbaths, to holy sites, and at women's gatherings. Their presence at the hospital came at the specific request of the Berger family.

Ayelet, Agam's mother, delivered her first public statement at Beilinson Hospital with profound gratitude: "If I had to stand here and thank everyone who stood by us, I would be standing here until the end of my life."

These revelations add to earlier reports of Agam's extraordinary spiritual fortitude during captivity, including her determined adherence to kosher dietary laws and Jewish traditions under the most challenging circumstances.

Berger was taken from the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 along with several other female observers who had tried to alert the military of suspiciousmovements along the border before the horrific attack. Dozens of soldiers from the base were killed in the attack, as well as more than 1,200 other Israeli residents and foreigners.

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"You and your daughter took the exact same journey from opposite sides of the barricade," Liri told Agam's mother. According to Liri, Agam refrained from eating non-kosher meat throughout her time in captivity, a decision that significantly limited her food options.

Liri noted that in recent weeks, Agam appeared pale, likely due to the restricted diet she had chosen for herself. "Despite the harsh conditions and limited options, Agam chose to remain true to her values and faith," she said.

Agam Berger's family released a statement: "Thank God we have reached this moment, and our heroic Agam has returned to us after 482 days in the hands of the enemy. Our daughter is strong, faithful, and courageous. We want to thank the security forces and the entire people of Israel for all the support and prayers. Now, Agam and we can begin the process of healing - but our recovery will not be complete until every hostage returns home."

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Much of her captivity was spent with her four fellow female field observers – Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy. In the second hostage release of the current ceasefire on January 25, the four young women were released while Agam remained behind. The decision to keep her in captivity was reportedly arbitrary, with one of the hostages even requesting to rstaywith her, but the captors refused. It's unfathomable to process the reality of a young woman remaining in terrorist hands while her four close friends return home, yet the released hostages described her condition as "okay." Her family showed remarkable resilience and dignity – her twin sister Li-Yam addressed her continued captivity, saying: "We thought. We expected. We hoped. We are happy for the observers who gained their freedom. Who got to embrace their families. We are very happy for them, and we'll wait for our turn. I'm already imagining myself in Agam's embrace."

The Berger family from Holon consists of parents Merav and Shlomi, twin sister Li-Ya,m who was born two minutes before her, and a younger brother who celebrated his bar mitzvah during her captivity. In November 2023, during the first hostage deal, Agam sent messages to her parents through Agam Goldstein, a released hostage who had stayed with her. Agam Goldstein called Agam Berger's father precisely on his birthday to inform him that his daughter was aware of the occasion. She told the parents that their daughter maintains Shabbat observance even in captivity.

She described how Hamas terrorists ordered Agam to cook food, but she steadfastly refused to desecrate Shabbat. Agam is a gifted violinist who has been playing since age 8. Her room has become a pilgrimage site for her friends, every corner expressing longing and anticipation for her return. Numerous photos of her adorn the walls, decorated with messages of yearning written by her friends. In her diary, Agam wrote on her birthday: "I wish myself and my loved ones happiness and strong health until 120. That I continue on my path and only succeed in everything I do." Now she will return to her family.

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