Jewish Women Mark Hostage Agam Berger’s Freedom with Braided Hair and Challah

As Agam Berger returned home after 482 days in Hamas captivity, supporters across Israel and the Jewish world found a unique way to honor her resilience: braiding hair and challah.

When Berger and four other Israeli soldiers were held in Gaza, many noticed their braided hair upon release. Observers soon credited Berger who remained behind when her fellow hostages were freed the previous week with creating those braids, offering a simple gesture of care and solidarity in captivity.

With her return on Thursday, the “Braids for Agam” movement has spread across the world:

Jewish schools in the U.S. encouraged students to wear braids in her honor.

El Al employees braided their hair in solidarity.

A wig store for Orthodox women styled all its display models with braids.

Synagogues hosted challah-braiding events to mark her return.

"These braids have become a symbol of hope and resistance," a New York City school shared in a now-deleted post.

Berger’s story has deeply touched many. She was just days into her army service when Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023, abducting her from Nahal Oz, where dozens of soldiers were murdered. Her reported dedication to observing Shabbat in captivity has further inspired her supporters, leading some to embrace new religious observances in her honor.

In Pennsylvania, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El invited members to a communal challah-braiding event, while others pledged to bake challah at home with the hashtag #BringThemHome to keep the remaining hostages in mind.

“A braid is always beautiful, no matter where you are,” wrote Erin Beser, wife of a synagogue rabbi, on Instagram. "Here’s to you, sweet girl, for making those around you feel loved, cared for, and beautiful. We are waiting for you."

What began as a simple act of kindness in captivity has become a powerful expression of Jewish unity. Through braids and challah, people worldwide are standing with Agam Berger and the remaining hostages, proving that even in the darkest times, small acts of love and solidarity shine the brightest.

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