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While former Israeli hostage Agam Berger is finally home, the two London synagogues that “adopted” the 20-year-old during her 15 months in Hamas captivity have said that their connetion with her and her family would continue.
Finchley Federation Synagogue and Magen Avot in Hendon “adopted” Agam last winter through the Board of Deputies “adopt a hostage” scheme, which encourages local communities to spotlight individual hostages and provide dedicated support to their families.
“Magen Avot adopted Agam a year ago in January 2024 and from that moment, she became part of our family,” said Chaya Langerman, Magen Avot member and Stop the Hate UK volunteer. “Every week we said prayers for her, we heard from her family and friends, and we supported the many Chesed projects that her mother initiated - projects that spread Agam's light in the world even when she was not physically with us.”
Magen Avot, which also “adopted” Naama Levy, 20, displayed photos of the adopted hostages in the synagogue, allocated seats for the two young women and lit candles for them.
Agam Berger and Naama Levy are both "adopted" by Jewish communities in London. (Photo: Chaya Langerman)[Missing Credit]
Langerman said that close family members of Agam had come to speak to the community, and over the past year, Agam’s mother, Meirav, had maintained a connection with the synagogue.
“Through this journey, I had the privilege of getting to know Agam’s incredible family, whose unshakeable faith and resilience were a source of inspiration to us all,” said Langerman. “Her mother never stopped fighting for her, and she did so with love, kindness and with action.”
During her time in captivity, Agam reportedly kept Shabbat and held onto her spirituality and optimism.
Langerman, who remains in close contact with Meirav, said the family has not communicated much about Agam’s condition since being freed in phase one of the deal, but expected that they would resume their fight to see the release of the remaining hostages, this time joined by Agam herself.
Flowers sent to the Berger family for Pesach last year from their UK community. (Photo: Chaya Langerman)[Missing Credit]
"[Agam] will lead the way in fighting for the others. She is someone who always puts others first and whose very essence is about maximising good deeds and spreading kindness,” Langerman said.
The communities that “adopted” Berger are planning on sending cards of love and encouragement, now focusing on supporting her recovery.
They are also hoping to donate to local Israeli organisations like Kamim, which is dedicated to rehabilitating former hostages and their families.
“When it’s clearer who is actually still alive, we’ll adopt new hostages from the Board of Deputies,” said Langerman. “In regards to Agam, what’s really important is that this connection we created with her is going to continue. We spoke a lot before about her coming to London to speak to the community. She's a very talented violinist, so maybe someday we can have her perform here in London.”
Jewish community representatives gathered for a vigil honouring the released hostages and those still to be freed in North London on Saturday. (Photo: Board of Deputies)[Missing Credit]
On Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum UK hosted a hostage release vigil with several of the synagogues and Jewish communities whose “adopted” hostages had been recently released.
It featured speakers, songs and a round table session led by the Jewish Agency ShinShinim (ambassadors) to honour the released hostages and demand the release of those still in captivity.
Over 1,200 people were murdered in southern Israel and more than 250 taken hostage on October 7, when Hamas launched its terrrorist onslaught.
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