Agam Berger reunited with her family Photo: IDF
482 days of captivity – and now the long-awaited moment: Agam Berger returned to her home. On Thursday evening, she, along with Arbel Yahud and Gadi Moses, was handed over to the Red Cross in an unexpected exchange, The Jerusalem Post reports.
“Our daughter is strong, loyal and brave,” said Agam’s relatives upon her return. “We thank the security forces and the people of Israel for their support and prayers. But our recovery will be complete only when all the hostages return home.”
The whole country held its breath as it watched the moment of liberation. Dozens of friends and neighbours gathered in the lobby of the house in Holon where Berger’s family lives to welcome her. “Every Saturday we prayed here for her return,” said neighbour Susie.
The mayor of Holon, Shai Kanan, also expressed his joy: “On behalf of all the people of our city, I welcome the return of our daughter, Agam Berger.”
The words of Liri Albag, one of Agam’s friends who had been released earlier, were also touching: “You and your mother have travelled the same path, but on different sides of the fence.”
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog also expressed his emotions: “From an 80-year-old man to a 20-year-old soldier, they went through hell with extraordinary courage and are now back with their families.”
Israel celebrates the return of its heroes, but also remembers those who remain in captivity. The country will not stop until all of its sons and daughters return home.
