'Our hero has returned': Family members, loved ones react to hostages' release

Agam Berger, Arbel Yahoud, and Gadi Moses were scheduled for release on Thursday in a previously unplanned exchange.

 (L-R) Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev watch as Agam Berger is releases from Hamas captivity. (photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa, IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
(L-R) Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev watch as Agam Berger is releases from Hamas captivity.
(photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa, IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

All of Israel watched in anticipation now-released hostage Agam Berger's return to Israel on Thursday, including her previously released IDF observer friends, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, and Karina Ariev.

"Our hero Agam has returned to us after 482 days in enemy hands," announced the family of now-released hostage Agam Berger on Thursday, after the soldier was handed over by Hamas to the ICRC.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," her family continued. "We want to thank the security forces and all the people of Israel for their support and prayers."

"Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

Agam Berger, Arbel Yahoud, and Gadi Moses were scheduled for release on Thursday in a previously unplanned exchange.

 Agam Berger reunited with her family (credit: IDF)Enlrage image
Agam Berger reunited with her family (credit: IDF)

The parents of soldiers who were killed on October 7 in Nahal Oz and of Noa Marciano, who was murdered in captivity, said that the struggle to bring back the friends of their daughters has been ongoing until the release of Agam Berger today.

"This chapter for us and for our daughters is now complete," they said, according to KAN. "We are full of hope for the recovery of Agam and all the observation unit members who have returned, and we are waiting for the return of all the hostages."

Dozens of Berger's relatives, friends, and neighbors gathered in the lobby of the building where Agam Berger lives in Holon. Susie, a neighbor, said she didn't sleep all night because she was excited.

"The lobby became a place for family prayer every Shabbat," adding that the neighbors prayed together for her release.


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Holon Mayor Shai Keinan congratulated Agam Berger on her return home: "I join together with the residents of Holon and all citizens of Israel to convey warm wishes on the occasion of the return home of our city's daughter, Agam Berger!"

Liri Albag relayed how Agam Berger abstained from all meat during her 482 days of captivity because it was not kosher, according to Israel Hayom.

Albag told Berger's mother, Meirav, "You and your daughter made exactly the same journey on both sides of the fence."

Romi Gonen, who was released from Hamas captivity last week after 471 days, shared an Instagram story with a photo of observer Agam Berger, who was released today, and wrote, "Thank God."

Almog Meir Jan, who was released from captivity in Operation Arnon in June, also shared her photo: "How good you came home." 

In a moving tribute, friends of Arbel Yehoud's brother, Dolev, who was murdered on October 7, wrote the words "How good you came home, Arbeli" in the sand. 

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, said "We are moved to tears by the return from captivity of Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, and Gadi Moses, along with five other Thai citizens."

"The scenes of the moments of horror during their transfer to the Red Cross were nerve-wracking and unbearable."

"From an 80-year-old man to a 20-year-old soldier - they went through the inferno with supreme bravery and are now finally reunited with their amazing families and all their loved ones," he added.

Sara Netanyahu released a statement later on Thursday evening to her Instagram, congratulating the hostages' return.

"Today, all of our hostages are filled with light," she wrote. "Agam Berger, our brave observer, Arbel Yehud and Gadi Moses have finally returned home after long months of brutal captivity by Hamas. The moments when they are back in the arms of their families are moments of tears, hugs and of hope that has become reality.

"Dear Merav, I was privileged to accompany you on the difficult journey, how much we prayed together, how much we cried and how much stronger in faith that this moment would come. Your strength, your power, your endless love for your daughter - they have lit the way even in the most difficult moments. I'm sending you a huge hug and blessing you so that life from here on will be full of good things."

"Over the past few months, I have met the families of the soldiers that have been brutally abducted," Netanyahu wrote, shifting focus to the released female soldiers. "I felt the pain, the hope, the endless worry and I [felt] like I was with them."

"To the families of Arbel and Gadi - our love is with you all. Today you were reunited with your loved ones who returned from the cruel captivity.

"Welcome back! We embrace you with all of our hearts and souls."