Nearly two years after the events of October 7, the trauma and consequences of Hamas’s massacre and the ensuing war continue to take a toll on all those involved.
However, there are rays of hope and healing that are slowly piercing their way through the dark shadows hovering over the Jewish state.
One such beacon appeared in Jerusalem recently, where hundreds of graduates from pre-military academies (mechinot) came together for a profoundly touching Shabbat experience.
A touching Shabbat experience
Agam Berger, who was kidnapped from her IDF base on October 7 and held hostage in Gaza for 482 days, attended the Shabbat event with her mother, Meirav. Berger told the participants how, even in captivity, she observed as many mitzvot as she could, and she described experiencing unmistakable signs of divine protection. The daughter and mother moved attendees with their words of faith and resilience, especially Supernova music festival survivor Shira Cohen.
“This Shabbat was incredibly emotional,” said Cohen. “So many Shabbatot had been dedicated to praying for Agam while she was in captivity. This one was different – it was a Shabbat of thanksgiving, together with her.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Rabbanit Tzili Schneider, CEO of Kesher Yehudi, whose mission is to unite young Israelis who will soon be starting their military service.
Kesher Yehudi’s long-standing flagship program connects pre-army students with ultra-Orthodox mentors for joint Torah study and personal relationships. “We began with chavruta learning – just one on one,” Schneider explained. “Not just for content but for connection. These bonds empower students with strength and shared values as they enter the IDF.”
Over the past year, Kesher Yehudi has worked with 1,500 mechina students all year, all with the aim to foster unity between secular and religious Israelis. “Am Yisrael [the people of Israel] is not two peoples – it’s one,” Schneider said. “And we see it every time these young people and Torah scholars come together in honest, open dialogue.”
On this particular Shabbat, Schneider and her organization provided a weekend filled with spiritual fortitude and camaraderie for the enlistees and their study partners, with whom they have been meeting throughout the year.
Unity reached new heights as well, with hundreds of participants visiting the Toldot Aharon Hassidic court in Mea Sh’earim to hear how Agam Berger not only changed the lives of secular citizens, but her actions also reached the country’s insular hassidic movements, some of which are anti-Zionist.
During the Friday night event, Agam’s father, Shlomi Berger, was called to Rabbi Dovid Kohn’s table. The Rebbe praised Agam’s spiritual heroism and sanctification of God’s name. Agam watched tearfully, surrounded by women who embraced her with heartfelt admiration. “She didn’t think anyone there even knew who she was,” Cohen said. “But even in Mea She’arim, they had prayed for her.”
For Cohen, the Shabbat was life-changing. “Thanks to Kesher Yehudi, I’ve been keeping Shabbat for eight months now,” she said. “They make you feel accepted just as you are. It’s not about pressure – it’s about love, joy, and strength.”
Kesher Yehudi has been active for more than 20 years, building bridges between religious and secular Israelis through shared study, respect, and conversation. But after October 7, its mission expanded rapidly. The organization began receiving calls from hospitals and youth centers about teens devastated by loss – some without parents or homes. In response, Kesher Yehudi created long-term mentorship programs and retreats focused on emotional resilience, belonging, and identity.
“We don’t ask what happened,” said Schneider. “We show up – with presence, with a hug, and with support. Our goal is to help these teens live, grow, and thrive – not just survive.”
For many, the highlight of the Shabbat weekend came during Havdalah. As 150 people closed their eyes and sang “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael” in prayer for the hostages and soldiers, Schneider called out each hostage’s name and their mother’s name aloud, asking the community to pray for them. “It was an anchor in the storm,” said Cohen.
Emma, one of the participants, has been studying in mechina all year and will soon be drafted. She said, “I believe that this Shabbat lit a huge flame and a powerful Jewish spark. Throughout Shabbat, we all experienced a moment of unity and, most importantly, really seeing each other. That was the phrase that stayed with us all Shabbat. To get to know [those so different from us], to meet, to listen, and to create meaningful dialogue and connections that, in my opinion, will truly stay with us for life..”
For Schneider, the memory of that Shabbat lingers. “I prayed that the angels who witnessed this will carry it to heaven,” she said. “That this unity, this holiness, this sacrifice, would bring redemption and return our captives home.”
As Israel faces uncertain days ahead, one truth is clear: In the face of profound loss and challenge, the bonds of faith and unity can light the way forward.■