: Yagil Yaakov, who was released from Hamas captivity, writes:

When they usually ask me

What is my deepest connection with God,

I answer

That in captivity, the only thing that kept me going was the belief that I was not alone, that He was with me—the One who, although He didn’t manage to prevent my abduction, certainly protected me every hour of my captivity.

And this is called divine providence, divine providence that I truly believe I had always felt before.

I always felt Him with me, protecting me from every trouble and obstacle.

When I came back, I immediately told everyone that I wanted to start wearing a kippah and tzitzit, and they all laughed in my face and said, “Are you crazy? What does a kippah and tzitzit have to do with anything now?”

I told them that throughout my time in captivity, I thought about it.

The season of Selichot (prayers for forgiveness) has arrived, and I feel

That I have much to ask forgiveness for and also feel a deep enough connection

To go there to express gratitude as well,

To say thank you for protecting me from my enemies—

Our enemies.

Father, thank you for the privilege of being here.

You chose the right path for me, and you won’t regret it.

I love you, Tata, and I am sure you are trying to protect

The hostages who are still there.