Karina Ariev, the IDF observer who was freed from captivity in Gaza, recently shared her story at a special gathering organized by the “Kesher Yehudi” organization. She spoke of a journey filled with faith, inner strength, and a profound connection to G-d that became her anchor amid the horrors she endured. With deeply moving words and raw honesty, Karina described how faith alone managed to sustain her hope during her terrifying ordeal.
“I’m not angry at G-d, but I do cry out to Him, like one cries out to a father,” Karina shared during the emotional meeting. “I speak to Him as I would to a father, and sometimes I say, ‘Father, why such a painful slap?'”
She explained to those present that under unimaginable conditions of hunger, fear, and uncertainty, she found comfort in speaking directly to G-d, like a daughter turning to her father.
Karina also recounted a profound spiritual experience she shared with the other captives: “All the hostages in Gaza tangibly felt divine protection. It was impossible to survive such hell without complete faith in G-d, and impossible to come out of captivity without feeling with certainty that G-d personally protected and saved you.”
One of the most touching moments in Karina’s story was the collective decision she and her fellow captives made to observe Pesach even while in captivity. “We decided not to eat Chametz ,” she said. “For seven days, not one of us touched pita bread, even though we were terribly hungry.”
Rabbanit Tsili Schneider, chairwoman of “Kesher Yehudi,” said at the gathering: “This decision, which seems almost superhuman given the severe hunger they faced, illustrates the incredible strength of faith and the captives’ commitment to preserve their Jewish identity even in a state of helplessness. Hearing these powerful testimonies is chilling. Their strength of faith deeply strengthens the people of Israel.”
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