Moment IDF soldier is reunited with family seen on video
After 482 days in Hamas captivity, Agam Berger, one of the IDF soldiers kidnapped from an observation base during the Oct. 7 attacks, was finally reunited with her family in Israel. Berger, the last of the soldiers kidnapped from the Nahal Oz base, was seen in a heartwarming video released by the IDF, where her parents were overcome with joy as they watched their daughter being greeted by Israeli forces prior to their emotional reunion.
In the video, Berger’s mother could be heard promising her daughter, “We’re here, and we will not leave you ever again. It’s a mother’s promise.” The emotional reunion was captured on video and shared by the IDF, highlighting the joyous moment when Berger was finally back in the arms of her family.
The reunion marked the end of a long and harrowing ordeal for Berger and her family, who had been anxiously awaiting her safe return. The other soldiers who were kidnapped alongside Berger, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa, and Karina Ariev, watched from Rabin Medical Center as Berger was released. The four of them had been taken hostage together and were released the week prior as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Berger was one of seven hostages released on Thursday, along with Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Moses, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum celebrated their release, expressing hope and praising the triumph of the human spirit while acknowledging that there are still 82 hostages held in Gaza who need to be rescued.
The organization also thanked President Donald Trump for his instrumental efforts in facilitating the release of the hostages. However, they expressed concern over the harrowing images of the hostages’ transfers to the Red Cross, calling for their protection and immediate reunification with their loved ones.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shocking scenes during the release of the hostages, demanding that mediators ensure the safety of the hostages in future releases. He delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners until this demand was met, and eventually, mediators committed to guaranteeing the safe transfer of hostages in future releases.
As Israel began allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, which had been heavily destroyed, hundreds of thousands streamed back to find their homes reduced to rubble. The first phase of the ceasefire deal will see Hamas releasing a total of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has confirmed that eight of the hostages to be released in this phase are deceased.
The long-awaited reunion of Agam Berger with her family brings hope and closure to a challenging chapter in their lives. As they begin the healing process, they look forward to the day when all hostages are safely returned home, and the recovery can be complete.
