Agam Berger with the century-old violin
(Video: Tzachi Beck)
Beck had acquired the violin years ago, recognizing its historical significance. "Hearing its sounds come to life again in Agam Berger’s skilled hands was an emotional moment," he told Ynet.
The violin’s journey also ties back to Yitzhak Bering, 76, from Petah Tikva. His father, Motel Bering, born in 1909, survived the Holocaust and arrived in Israel via Iraq after the Nazis killed his wife and two children. Motel later remarried and had four more children before his death in 1972. Yitzhak safeguarded the violin for years before passing it on to his friend, Beck.
She told me she would practice on it and take it to the March of the Living to play there. That will be a real moment of closure.
"When I heard the violin playing again, I felt like its original owner — the orchestra musician — was coming back to life," Yitzhak said. He recalled how his father had carried the violin throughout his journey to Israel, determined to preserve it.
On Saturday night, Beck arrived at Berger’s home in Holon and handed her the violin, allowing its music to be heard again after decades of silence.
"I had it hanging on a wall after restoring it," Beck said. "Now, it's in the right hands — Agam’s hands, bringing it back to life. And on International Women’s Day, no less, this violin goes to an incredible woman and true survivor who will ensure its song never fades."
"She’s a woman, really just a girl, with unbelievable strength," he added. "You look at her and can’t believe it — how did she survive over a year in hell? It shows the power of faith in God, because otherwise, it’s impossible. I’m certain the violin has found its rightful place at exactly the right time."
