Hostage Survivor Rom Barlevsky Shares Emotional Video on His Ordeal

Rom Barlevsky, a former hostage held in Gaza, has shared a moving video on his X account detailing his experiences and longing for faith during his captivity. He described the immense difficulty of being surrounded by Hamas terrorists for weeks, stating that his greatest dream was to perform the simple act of donning tefillin and wrapping himself in a tallit.

Barlevsky explained that this was physically impossible for him while in captivity due to the lack of the religious items. He appealed to the public to appreciate their freedom and the ability to observe religious commandments.

"Be happy that you have the right and the opportunity to perform this important commandment," he urged. "To anyone hesitating whether to put on tefillin today, just do it. Remember there was a guy held hostage in Gaza who only dreamed of this chance. Give thanks that you are free and have this option."

Barlevsky concluded the video by reciting the blessing for putting on tefillin.