Ex-hostage Agam Berger at Israel’s Independence Day celebration in Gotham Hall

On Sunday in New York, 1,000 people stood together to celebrate Israel Independence Day at Gotham Hall in New York City.

As an Israeli, my heart filled with pride among the participants as we all united to stand with Israel tighter with government officials, media personalities, and influencers, especially as the celebration coincided with the upcoming Israeli Parade in New York next Sunday, themed “Hatikvah,” which translates to “the Hope.”

This year’s celebration carried an extra layer of importance; it was the first Independence Day commemoration held in the city after seven long years. The evening before was beautifully led by Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, who spoke about the miraculous journey of Israel over its 77 years of independence.

“The achievements of the State of Israel in our 77 years of independence are nothing short of miraculous… We’ve established the only democracy in the Middle East, rooted in values that have kept us united for 2,000 years. We are committed to bringing back all the hostages and defeating Hamas. From here, we say to our enemies: ‘You are failing; we are winning.’” He emphasized, “We will never leave our land—nor our capital, Jerusalem.”

An emotional moment came when Agam Berger, a former hostage, took the stage. As she spoke in Hebrew, her raw emotion was palpable—not just in her words but in the silent understanding that rippled through the audience. Translated subtitles in English on the screen behind her helped convey her story. Agam recounted the torture she experienced during her captivity, but at the heart of her message was a message of faith.

“The captors made sure to torment me by telling me they didn’t see my mother in the media and that she wasn’t fighting for me… But when I finally saw my mother on TV, it was proof for me—proof that she was indeed fighting for me.” Her eyes sparkled with tears and resolve; it was clear that those fleeting moments of hope kept her spirit alive.

She continued with strength, recounting how her faith deepened during her darkest moments. “In that last week before I was released, I was left alone, and I grew even stronger in my faith. Because that’s the essence of the Jewish people.”

As we prepare to celebrate the Israel Parade in New York on May 18 along Fifth Avenue, themed “Hatikvah” (The Hope), it becomes clear that this gathering reflects our commitment as Jews to celebrating Israel’s independence. It isn’t just about the land or the state; it’s about the people who call it home.