Hostage Survivor Ziv Berman Marks One Year Since Release, Shares Emotional Reflections

Ziv Berman, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his twin brother Gali, marked one year since his return from captivity on Tuesday. He shared a candid and moving post on Instagram reflecting on the tumultuous period. Berman recounted realizing the significance of the date during a drive, stating, "I'm driving towards the center from Beit Guvrin. Suddenly I remember what day it is today." He described the realization that it was his one-year "birthday" since his return, leading to an outpouring of emotion. "And then the tears start to come, I pull over and start to process," Berman revealed, adding that the year "passed in a second, a year where every moment is etched in my mind, heart, and bones."

The post, accompanied by photos of Berman with his brother, friend Emily Damari, other friends, and his girlfriend, also highlighted the positive aspects of his past year. He expressed his love for his "amazing woman" who brings him "the best in the world," describing her as funny, supportive, and loving him with "true love." Despite positive experiences like traveling, crying, excitement, and dancing, Berman acknowledged the ongoing burden of survivor's guilt, questioning, "Why me?" He emphasized the importance he places on constant remembrance, stating, "Everywhere I am, I make sure to remember and commemorate the fallen, my friends, the soldiers who fell in the line of duty, the mentally wounded, and the soldiers still on the battlefield protecting us."

Berman concluded his message with deep gratitude for both the good and the bad, emphasizing that nothing is taken for granted. "I am here and here to stay. The road to 100% is still long, but I have the best circle in the world to help me." He ended with a message of love to those around him, proudly identifying himself as "Little Ziv Berman from Kibbutz Kfar Aza," accompanied by an Israeli flag.