Eitan Mor Recites HaGomel After Two Years in Hamas Captivity

Last Shabbat, a moment of profound emotion unfolded in a modest synagogue beneath the home of the Mor family in Israel. Eitan Mor, a young Israeli who endured 730 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, stood before the Torah scroll and recited the HaGomel blessing a traditional Jewish prayer of gratitude for deliverance from danger.

It was not just a ritual. It was a miracle fulfilled.

Eitan was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, during the brutal Hamas attack at the Nova music festival. Two years later, he returned home just in time for Simchat Torah. Now, surrounded by loved ones and neighbors in a sanctuary built during his captivity, he gave thanks not only for survival, but for life renewed.

His mother, Efrat Mor, captured the powerful scene in a post shared with friends: “Candies were thrown, tears fell, and Eitan’s voice was heard. It was not loud, but heart-trembling.” She added, “My son, whom I received as a miracle at age 25, stood before the Torah scroll and the Holy Ark, thanking God for the kindness shown to him.”

The synagogue itself is a symbol of faith and unity. It was constructed during Eitan’s absence as a spiritual lifeline for the community a house of prayer where the people of Israel could gather to ask for his safe return.

As news spread that Eitan wished to recite the blessing of thanksgiving, neighbors quickly organized a celebratory kiddush. “There was no way we wouldn’t celebrate,” said Efrat. “The men’s and women’s sections were full. The stories of terror Eitan told flashed through my mind. So did the countless miracles he lived through.”

One of those stories unfolded recently, as Eitan met with the parents of Elyakim Libman, Hy"d, who was murdered while rescuing others at the Nova festival. Recounting the chaos, Eitan described hearing gunfire, cries, and confusion as he and his friend Rom Braslavski tried to understand the horror unfolding around them. He recalled attempting to contact family before being captured. A final message from Elyakim read: “I’m in the tent with the wounded.” Moments later, Eitan went to help only to be taken hostage.

Elyakim died a hero, and Eitan lived through a nightmare. His release, after exactly two years, has become a national symbol of faith, endurance, and answered prayers.

Now, Eitan stands not just as a survivor, but as a living testimony to the power of communal prayer and national unity. His voice may have trembled, but his presence sent a message that rang far louder: Am Yisrael Chai.

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