Hostage Shlomi Ziv’s First Request After Rescue: ‘I Need Tefillin!’

After enduring eight months of captivity, 41-year-old Shlomi Ziv, who was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, was heroically rescued on June 8th by elite soldiers of the Israel Defense Force (IDF). Shlomi’s incredible story of survival and unwavering faith in God is nothing short of miraculous.

Throughout his harrowing ordeal in Gaza, where he witnessed the murder of fellow hostages, Shlomi clung to his faith. He believed that if God had allowed him to be taken captive, God could also bring him safely home. Despite having said the Shema prayer only a few times in his life, he began to recite it daily, making a solemn promise to God: “God, if you get me back home alive, then I promise to put on tefillin every day.”

Tefillin, or phylacteries, are two black leather boxes with straps that Jewish men wear on their head and arm during morning prayers. They symbolize a Jew’s connection to the Creator and the belief that God alone controls our fate. While wearing tefillin, Jews proclaim their faith with the Shema prayer: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Shlomi, a non-religious Israeli, instinctively understood the power of this ancient ritual. When he was finally reunited with his family in a Tel Aviv hospital, his first request was: “I need Tefillin.”

Unbeknownst to Shlomi, the Israel Select Tefillin Campaign, led by Rabbi Josh Friedman, has been encouraging thousands of IDF soldiers across Israel to observe this mitzvah (commandment). This initiative aims to strengthen the spiritual connection between Jewish men and God through the practice of wearing tefillin.

Shlomi’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith in the face of unimaginable adversity. His promise to don tefillin every day serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us of the deep spiritual ties that bind us to our heritage and faith.

If you want to support Rabbi Friedman’s mission to help connect Jewish men and soldiers to God through Tefillin. Share this inspiring story and subscribe to our newsletter for more uplifting stories about the resilience and faith of the Jewish people.