Agam Berger, who was kidnapped from her IDF base and held hostage in Gaza, attended the Shabbat with her mother, Meirav. The pair moved attendees with their words of faith and resilience. Agam recounted how she observed mitzvot even in captivity and described experiencing unmistakable signs of divine protection.

“This Shabbat was incredibly emotional,” said Shira Cohen, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre who participated in the event. “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 Shabbat, hosted by Kesher Yehudi, was part of the organization’s long-standing program that connects pre-army students with Haredi mentors for joint Torah learning and personal relationships. “We began with chavruta learning—just one-on-one,” explained Schneider. “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, fostering unity between secular and religious Israelis. “Am Yisrael is not two peoples—it’s one,” Schneider emphasized. “And we see it every time these young people and Torah scholars come together in honest, open dialogue.”

That unity reached new heights on Friday night, when hundreds of participants visited the Toldot Aharon Hasidic court in Mea Shearim. In a profoundly moving moment, Agam’s father, Shlomi Berger, was called to the Rebbe’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,” Shira Cohen said. “But even in Mea Shearim, they had prayed for her.”

For Shira, 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 over 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 came during Havdalah. As 150 people closed their eyes and sang “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael” in prayer for the hostages and soldiers, Rabbanit 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 Shira.

Emma has been studying in mechina all year and drafts soon. “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 still light the way forward.