Former hostage Agam Berger performs at Air Force pilot's graduation ceremony
Former Gaza hostage Agam Berger performed the song "They Will Always Wait for You" on the violin alongside the IDF's military band at the 190th Air Force graduation ceremony on Thursday.
The Israel Air Force's Wing Ceremony took place at Hatzerim base with President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington at the time of the ceremony.
Berger, an IDF observer who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz base on October 7, noted, was released in January 2025.
Berger enlisted after a year of preparatory military service at "Gal" in Akko with the "Acharei" program. While training to be an observer, she was selected to be the platoon commander's assistant, and was chosen as a candidate for the 'Stars' track, which identifies candidates for command positions.
When asked to explain why she deserved to join the track, she wrote that she saw the role as a mission and wanted to provide soldiers with a sense of faith and security.
During the course, Agam was stationed at the Kerem Shalom outpost, and one week before the end of the course, her assignment was changed, and she arrived at Nahal Oz.
Berger was kidnapped along with her fellow observers Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Ori Megidish, and Noa Marciano.
Karina, Daniella, Naama, and Liri were released in the second wave of the exchange that same month. Ori was rescued in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet, and Noa Marciano was murdered in captivity.
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