Hamas allowed us to practice Jewish faith, says freed Israeli soldier

A female Israeli soldier recently released by Hamas under a ceasefire deal revealed that the Palestinian resistance fighters allowed her and other Israeli hostages to practice their Jewish beliefs and even provided them with a holy book.

Agam Berger, speaking to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth after her release in exchange for Palestinian hostages held by Israel, shared details of her time in captivity.

She recounted that the Jewish hostages were “surprised” when Hamas handed them a Jewish prayer book, known in Hebrew as a siddur.

“It (the prayer book) wasn’t random ... it arrived exactly when we needed it most,” Berger said.

She further recalled that Hamas fighters also let the hostages celebrate Jewish holidays, learning the dates only through radio and TV.

Read More: Hamas releases four Israel captives’ bodies in Gaza

When she observed the Jewish Passover in detention, a Hamas fighter offered her “cornflour,” which was available at the time, despite Gaza experiencing an acute food shortage.

The Israeli hostages also observed Yom Kippur, with Berger saying, “We managed to fast, and I remember praying a lot that day.”

“I also fasted on the Fast of Esther. It was something I felt I had to do, especially given our circumstances,” she added.

The 29-year-old Berger was released on January 30 along with Arbel Yehoud, an 80-year-old man named Gadi Mozes, and five Thai nationals.

Check: Hamas proposes releasing all Palestinian, Israeli hostages 'in one go' for permanent truce

The exchange took place in front of the destroyed house of martyred Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

While Israeli hostages have shared little about the difficulties they faced during their captivity with Hamas, Palestinian hostages released by Israel have shown visible signs of mental and physical torture, with many appearing starved or bearing injuries.

Hamas has released 19 Israelis and five Thai nationals in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners.

A ceasefire deal was reached between Hamas and Israel on January 19, bringing an end to Israel’s relentless military offensive on Gaza. However, despite the truce, Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement and launched attacks on Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their offensive raids in the West Bank, harassing, detaining, and attacking unarmed Palestinian civilians.