Hostage Survivor Rom Barshevsky Embraces Religious Observance

Rom Barshevsky, a survivor of Hamas captivity, announced on Wednesday that he is adopting the practice of "shmirat negiah," abstaining from physical contact with women who are not close relatives, as a step towards greater religious observance. He stated that this decision was inspired by Torah classes given by Rabbi Yigal Cohen.

Barshevsky appealed to his female followers on social media, asking for understanding if he refrains from extending his hand to them in the future. This move is part of a broader spiritual strengthening process he has undergone since his release.

During his captivity in the Gaza Strip, Barshevsky recounted that Hamas militants repeatedly attempted to break his spirit and convert him to Islam. They offered him better conditions, food, and small gifts in exchange for reading the Quran or fasting during Ramadan. Despite severe hunger and harsh conditions, he insisted on maintaining his Jewish identity, repeatedly telling his captors, "I am Jewish, I am strong, I will not break."

Following his return, Barshevsky has spoken about his strengthened faith. He previously shared in an interview that before the October 7th attacks, he considered himself religious but did not observe Shabbat or wear a kippah. He described himself as being "religious in name only" despite growing up in a very religious neighborhood. He stated that he fully returned to religious observance after being taken hostage.

Barshevsky also described creating his own prayer services when he couldn't recall the traditional liturgy from memory, using verses like "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." He now observes Shabbat every week and intends to continue doing so for the rest of his life.