Ashley Waxman Bakshi understands that the Gaza ceasefire agreement poses challenges for Israel, but she views it as a potential opportunity to reunite with her cousin Agam. For over a year, Agam Berger, a 20-year-old who was abducted on October 7, 2023, has been the focal point of distress for her family. The uncertainty surrounding her well-being and the harrowing circumstances of her disappearance have haunted her loved ones.
Reflecting on Agam’s absence, Ashley, aged 39, shared a poignant moment with The Telegraph where she contemplated mundane activities, juxtaposed with Agam’s potential struggles. The fear and anguish of not knowing Agam’s fate have taken a toll on the family. They are cautiously optimistic about Agam’s imminent release under the ceasefire terms, yet apprehensive about the unknown conditions she may face upon her return.
While the prospect of Agam’s release is a glimmer of hope after a prolonged struggle, the family grapples with conflicting emotions. Ashley acknowledges the inherent risks associated with the agreement, highlighting the release of dangerous individuals by Israel and the potential for future hostage situations orchestrated by Hamas. Despite these concerns, the family sees this moment as a pivotal opportunity for Agam’s safe return.
Agam’s abduction from her military post at Nahal Oz by Hamas militants, captured in a chilling video, remains a traumatic memory for her loved ones. The stark contrast between the spirited young woman in the video and the vibrant Agam portrayed in family photos is a stark reminder of the ordeal she endured. Agam’s resilience and spirited nature, evidenced by her love for music, the beach, and helping others, serve as a beacon of hope during these dark times.
As the family awaits Agam’s uncertain homecoming, they find solace in their shared prayers and unwavering support for her. Ashley’s recount of Agam’s character, her spirited demeanor, and unwavering faith offer a glimpse into the strength and optimism that fuel their resilience amidst adversity.
“When the ceasefire deal was first announced, Ashley described her immediate reaction: ‘The first thing I did was run to Agam’s parents.’ She recounted the scene at their home, noting that ‘Agam’s mum was cooking, getting ready for Shabbat and, like, I haven’t seen her in such good spirits since before Oct 7.’ The news of the ceasefire brought a glimmer of hope for the family, especially for Agam’s twin sister, Li-Yam. Ashley shared that Li-Yam expressed excitement at the possibility of Agam attending her upcoming graduation from IDF officer training. However, Ashley had to gently remind her friend that Agam may still need to remain in the hospital for weeks to come.
In the wake of the ceasefire announcement, close friends and acquaintances have reached out to inquire about how they can assist with Agam’s return. Despite the well-meaning offers, the uncertainty surrounding Agam’s condition makes it challenging to make concrete plans. Ashley disclosed, ‘Everyone wants to make her her favourite dishes,’ highlighting the community’s desire to support Agam in any way possible.
Reflecting on the potential reunion with Agam, Ashley expressed a cautious approach, considering the significant impact of Agam’s ordeal. She recognized the profound changes that Agam may have undergone during her captivity, emphasizing, ‘She will be changed. There’s no way she could not be changed.’ Acknowledging her dual role as a content creator and a cousin, Ashley assumed a protective stance, shielding the immediate family from excessive media exposure. She explained, ‘It’s my way of protecting them,’ illustrating her commitment to safeguarding her loved ones’ privacy during this tumultuous period.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire, footage emerged showing Palestinians celebrating what they perceived as a victory. Some individuals in the videos displayed symbols associated with Hamas and vocalized pro-Hamas sentiments. For Ashley, witnessing these scenes evoked distressing memories of the October 7 attacks. While she strives to empathize with the Palestinian perspective and harbors genuine compassion for them, Ashley expressed skepticism about the reciprocity of these sentiments. She challenged, ‘Find me one person in Gaza who will openly say, I have compassion for the hostages or I have compassion for the Israelis that were murdered.’
The juxtaposition of celebratory videos with the harrowing reality of Agam’s captivity raised troubling questions for Ashley. She recounted insights from a released hostage regarding Agam’s movement from Hamas’s tunnels to civilian residences, where children were present. Ashley pondered the ethical implications of exposing children to such traumatic situations, questioning the mindset of those involved. She grappled with the complexities of cultural differences and divergent values, lamenting, ‘I want peace but when your culture is so different, your values are so different, how are we ever gonna bridge this?’ Amidst these profound reflections, Ashley lamented the widening chasm separating conflicting parties, asserting, ‘We’ve never been so far away from peace
