Finding Light in Darkness: Sappir Cohen’s 55 Days held Hostage in Gaza and the Power of Psalm 27

In the summer of 2023, Sappir Cohen, a young woman from Ramat Gan, felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding. Despite countless visits to doctors, she found no explanation for her anxiety. In desperation, she turned to prayer, reciting Psalm 27 daily. Months later, she was abducted by terrorists during the October 7th attacks in Israel. Miraculously, her prayer became her source of strength and resilience throughout her 55-day captivity in Gaza. Her experience serves as a reminder of the power of trust in G-d, especially during times of fear and uncertainty. The Psalm she recited isn’t just for her—it is for all of us, as we too are hostages, seeking to break free from the shackles of our material world and reconnect with the Divine.

Takeaways:
Power of Prayer: Psalm 27 gave Sappir the courage and hope she needed in unimaginable circumstances. Our prayers can uplift us in our darkest moments.
Unity and Strength: Even in the midst of her captivity, Sappir’s story demonstrates how the unity of the Jewish people is a source of strength, as recognized by her captors.
Spiritual Hostages: We are all, in a way, hostages in this material world. Our soul’s yearning for G-d is fulfilled through mitzvot and spiritual growth.
Overcoming the Yetzer Hara: The battle against our inner enemies—the distractions of material life—is constant. Trust in G-d and spiritual resilience can help us overcome it.
Hope in G-d: The message of Psalm 27 encourages us to maintain unwavering faith, knowing that G-d will guide and protect us in times of need.