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Agam Berger, an Israeli soldier who was held captive by Hamas for over 500 days, shared an emotional message on Tuesday, thanking former US President Donald Trump for his role in securing her release.
The video, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, shows Berger addressing the president in Hebrew, expressing her gratitude and urging him to continue advocating for the release of other hostages still in captivity.
“I want to take this chance to say to you, President Trump: thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Berger said, visibly moved. “Thanks to you, we have returned home. But we must remember, there are still people who truly depend on you and are waiting for you to save them.”
In her heartfelt message, Berger recounted the grueling experience she endured during her 500 days in captivity, describing the emotional and physical toll of being held by Hamas in Gaza.
“The days didn’t pass – they stood still,” she said, noting the endless feeling of time while imprisoned. “Every night and day felt like an eternity. That’s how the people there feel, too.”
Berger went on to urge swift action to free the remaining hostages, emphasizing their sense of hope and desperation.
“Today marks 500 days that they’ve been there, and they’re still counting the days. We need to act quickly to take everyone home. They’re just waiting for us to get them out,” she said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Agam Berger, who had only recently begun her army service when she was taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was one of nearly 250 hostages seized in the attack.
Berger was initially part of a group of five soldiers taken from the Nahal Oz base, a location that also witnessed the tragic deaths of several others during the assault. While four of her fellow soldiers were released a week prior, Berger remained in captivity until recently.
Before her abduction, Berger was known not only for her military service but also for her talents as a violinist and her passion for travel. She was also deeply committed to community work, volunteering with children with disabilities.
Her dedication to her family continued throughout her captivity, as her father revealed that Agam had instructed another released hostage to call him on his birthday to pass along her well wishes.
The video shared by Trump highlights the emotional and political significance of Berger’s release, with her message adding to the growing calls for the immediate freedom of all hostages still being held by Hamas.