27 Tevet 5785
". . . One who comes to purify themselves is assisted [by Heaven]."
— Babylonian Talmud, Yoma 38b
It made me sad to think that after Agam Berger's mom's plea regarding chillul Shabbat, she didn't get her daughter back after all and might have to wait another week. It seemed like a punishment, but how could that be? Of course, it could not be, as pointed out by my very wise daughter, HKB"H has arranged it so she was not forced to make any chillul Shabbat upon her release.
Agam Berger is among the hostages expected to be released on Shabbos. Her mother, Merav, made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem and made a video urging Israeli media to honor Shabbos by refraining from coverage.Merav said “We are waiting with bated breath for our daughters…. We also know that it will apparently happen on Shabbos, and not for no reason, either: Our enemies apparently intended that. To me it is important, and I have spent no small amount of time on this in recent days, how I will do it without desecrating Shabbos.”“I will wait for Agam, with Hashem’s help, when she comes, with as little Chillul Shabbos as possible….”Merav also appealed to the public and media, asking them to respect Shabbos:....Israelis celebrated across the country on Saturday morning, rejoicing upon the release of four of the five Israeli IDF observer hostages: Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Naama Levy.However, the happiness wasn’t complete since one name was missing: Agam Berger, the fifth soldier and the "mysterious braider," who will remain in captivity until next week.An enigma, Berger has become a symbol of strength for those still held hostage in Gaza. Quiet strength, politeness, and unbreakable spirit woven together all make up her story... . . Yet, Berger became a source of strength and comfort to others. One released hostage told Israeli media, "Agam braided our hair before we left. It felt like she was giving us a piece of her strength to carry with us.”It has also been revealed that Berger has kept her religious values throughout her captivity. Hidabroot reported that once, her Hamas kidnappers ordered her to cook on Shabbat. At the risk of further persecution, she refused, adhering to her faith.Agam Goldstein, a former captive, recalled: "She prayed a lot, blessed the food, and refused to light a fire on Shabbat." This quiet rebellion reflected her commitment to her faith and values.
It has been announced that Agam Berger will go free on Thursday - Rosh Chodesh Shevat, B"H!!!
This young women is a true Giboret and Bat Yisrael. A shining example of what all Jews can be even in the worst of circumstances.
ReplyDeleteSo many times in Tanach we were saved on account of the emuna shleima and gvura of a single person, or a small group. Be'D their zchut should tip the scales for the geula shleima of all of us.
ReplyDeleteHitoreri