Arutz Sheva exclusive: Recently released survivor of Hamas captivity, Segev Kalfon, spent the weekend together with other families at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Jerusalem.
The event was held at the initiative of Tzili Schneider, Founder and CEO of the Kesher Yehudi organization, which has been accompanying the families of the hostages.
During the retreat, he shared his feelings since returning from Israel with those present. Segev spoke about the special bond that formed between the hostages in captivity and about the Shabbats they spent together under difficult conditions.
Segev Kalfon shared the special moments of Shabbat in the tunnels: "We were in a small tunnel. We would welcome the Sabbath. Even though we would recite Kiddush on water, it's the thought that counts. We would sing 'Lecha Dodi' (a liturgical song welcoming the Sabbath) and 'Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai' (a song about the Jewish sage, often sung on Friday nights). I would tell them not to fill up on salads, even though we only had half a pita and cheese to eat. We would sit and reminisce about what we would eat at home on Shabbat."
He added that they would also celebrate the Jewish holidays, although they did not always know exactly when they fell out. "We would celebrate the holiday, we would finish it, and then it would turn out that the holiday just began. But it's the thought that counts."
Kalfon noted that the Shabbat observance helped them remember their roots even in Hamas captivity.
Tzili Schneider, Founder and CEO of the Kesher Yehudi organization, stated: "It was moving to hear the amazing testimonies by the captivity survivors about their dedication to observing Shabbat in impossible conditions. Their stories are inspiring. It is amazing to discover how faith and Shabbat observance in the brutal captivity gave them strength to face the terrible difficulties."