Romi Gonen: "Even in Captivity, You Find Something to Be Thankful For"

Freed hostage Romi Gonen says that even in the darkness of Hamas captivity, gratitude became a source of strength. Speaking on her podcast, Romi Gonen's New Life, she shared how faith helped sustain her throughout her months in Gaza, revealing the small moments of hope that helped her endure unimaginable circumstances.

A Prayer Book That Brought Hope

"We received a prayer book through Azz (a-Din)," Gonen recalled. "He brought us a prayer book that apparently belonged to soldiers who had been in some kind of ambush. They left their equipment behind, and among it was this soldiers' prayer book."

She said that, for reasons she couldn't fully explain, she felt drawn to read Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) every Friday night.

"I don't know why, but on Friday nights I felt like reading Shir HaShirim."

That simple routine became a source of comfort and familiarity amid the uncertainty of captivity.

Finding Gratitude in the Darkest Place

As she continued reading from the prayer book, one particular passage left a lasting impression.

"Suddenly I realized how many familiar songs come from it, so every Friday I would sit there smiling. Then I reached Mizmor L'Todah (A Psalm of Thanksgiving)."

It was then, she said, that she came to a powerful realization.

"Even in captivity, you find something to be thankful for. You really don't have to look very hard."

Despite the harsh conditions, Gonen explained that gratitude became an anchor that helped her preserve hope and inner strength.

Giving Thanks for One More Day Together

Gonen also reflected on the close bond she shared with fellow hostage Emily Damari during their captivity.

"Emily and I woke up every morning and thanked Hashem for one more day that we hadn't been separated. For me, that was the greatest gift of all—even before I prayed for Him to bring me home."

Rather than focusing only on what they had lost, the two women chose to begin each day by expressing gratitude for the blessing they still had: remaining together.

Her testimony offers a moving glimpse into the faith, gratitude, and resilience that sustained her through one of the darkest chapters of her life, demonstrating how even the smallest moments of hope can become a source of extraordinary strength.