Imagine spending 505 days in captivity, cut off from the world. This was the reality for one individual held by Hamas, marking one of the longest hostage periods in recent history. The story of his ordeal and recovery is both harrowing and inspiring.
After his release, he spent 10 days at Rabin Medical Center, focusing on physical and psychological healing. The journey to recovery is ongoing, but he is now adjusting to life at his mother’s home in Tsur Hadassah. His partner, Ziv Aboud, has been a constant source of support during this transition.
Symbolic moments, like unpacking gifts and listening to Sarit Hadad’s music, marked his homecoming. These small yet meaningful acts highlight the resilience of the human spirit. His story also resonates with international efforts to recover hostages, including those with Canadian ties.
This tale of survival and recovery serves as a reminder of the strength it takes to rebuild after such a traumatic experience. It also underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing such challenges.
Introduction: The Story of Eliya Cohen
Before the darkness, his life was filled with vibrant energy and passion. An electronic music enthusiast, he spent years organizing events that brought people together. His love for techno music was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect with others and create unforgettable experiences.
Professionally, he built a successful career in sales and real estate. His charismatic personality and leadership skills helped him thrive in the business world. He was known for his ability to build a global network of friends, making him a well-respected figure in his field.
At home, his family played a central role in his life. His mother, Sigi, described him as a “happy child who loved life.” His partner, Ziv, was a constant source of support, standing by him through every challenge. Their bond reflects the importance of family ties, a value deeply cherished in multicultural communities like Canada.
His story also highlights how perspectives can change. After spending over a year half in captivity, he gained a new appreciation for the intangible aspects of life. Material possessions no longer held the same value, and his focus shifted to relationships and emotional well-being.
| Aspect | Pre-Captivity | Post-Captivity |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Career and material success | Relationships and emotional health |
| Values | Professional achievements | Family and personal connections |
| Perspective | Outward success | Inner resilience |
This journey from a life of vibrancy to one of resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s strength. It also underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing challenges faced by individuals and communities worldwide.
The Day Everything Changed: October 7th
The morning of October 7th began like any other, but it would soon become a day etched in tragedy. At the Nova Festival, music and laughter were abruptly silenced by violence. Among the attendees was Amit Ben Avida, Ziv’s nephew, whose last moments were witnessed by survivors.
The Nova Festival and the Shelter of Death
As gunfire erupted, crowds fled toward a nearby shelter. Inside, chaos unfolded—grenades exploded, and screams filled the air. For three hours, survivors hid under bodies, including Amit Karin, whose final act was shielding others.
Witnesses described the conditions as harrowing: cramped space, smoke, and the constant fear of discovery. One survivor recalled, “The shelter became a tomb for too many.”
The Aftermath: Ziv’s Fight for Eliya’s Return
Ziv Aboud, grappling with PTSD from the ordeal, channeled grief into action. She wore a yellow wedding dress to protests, symbolizing vows to bring Eliya home. Her Valentine’s Day video, showing their empty bed, went viral.
- Public Campaigns: Purim protests with masked performers echoed CADENA’s advocacy in Canada.
- Evidence: Hamas’s abduction video revealed Eliya alongside Hersh Goldberg-Polin, fueling global demands for justice.
Ziv’s resilience mirrored the struggles of families left behind, turning personal agony into a movement for change.
Life in Captivity: Eliya’s 505 Days
For over a year, life was defined by darkness and uncertainty. The physical and psychological toll of captivity was immense, yet moments of hope and resilience emerged even in the bleakest times.
Physical and Psychological Struggles
Survival was a daily battle. Food was scarce, with months of rationing leaving little to sustain the body. For seven months, four people shared a single pita, a stark reminder of the harsh conditions. In the final week, an 8kg weight gain hinted at “show” feedings, a cruel contrast to the starvation endured earlier.
Physical injuries added to the suffering. Shrapnel wounds from the shelter incident left lasting damage, affecting mobility even after release. Psychological warfare, including mock executions, further deepened the trauma.
Moments of Hope and Despair
Despite the hardships, small acts of faith provided solace. Daily prayer rituals and improvised kiddush ceremonies became a way to cope. These practices offered a sense of normalcy and connection to something greater.
Bonds formed with fellow captives, like Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino, became lifelines. Their shared experiences created a sense of community, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Tragically, their stories ended too soon, leaving a void for those who survived.
| Aspect | Challenges | Moments of Hope |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Starvation, injuries | Final week weight gain |
| Psychological | Mock executions, trauma | Daily prayer rituals |
| Social | Isolation, loss | Bonds with fellow captives |
This journey of survival resonates globally, including in Canada, where interfaith dialogue initiatives highlight the power of faith and community in overcoming adversity. The story serves as a reminder of the strength found in resilience and the importance of global solidarity.
The Road to Freedom: Eliya’s Release
Freedom came after 505 days of uncertainty and struggle. The final days in captivity were a mix of tension and hope, as negotiations paved the way for the last group of hostages to be freed. Among them was Omer Wenkert, who had media access during those critical moments.
The Final Days in Captivity
In the last week, conditions shifted dramatically. The group was moved in a truck, a stark contrast to the isolation they had endured. For many, the journey was a blur of emotions—fear, relief, and disbelief. The presence of media cameras added a surreal layer to the experience.
The helicopter reunion was a pivotal moment. Mediated by psychologists, it ensured a smooth transition for the freed hostages. This careful approach highlighted the importance of mental health in such delicate situations.
Returning to a New Reality
Post-release, life began to take on a new shape. Cravings for seafood became a symbol of regained freedom, while a Gucci gift from a loved one represented a return to normalcy. These small gestures carried deep emotional weight.
At the hospital, reunions with family and Ziv were both joyful and overwhelming. Controlled visitor access helped manage the transition, but processing public attention remained a challenge. “It’s hard to adjust when the world is watching,” one source shared.
- Plans for Thailand: A long-awaited trip to Thailand is now in the works, fulfilling a dream put on hold during captivity.
- Canadian Connection: Programs like Canada’s hostage reintegration initiatives offer valuable insights into recovery processes.
This journey from captivity to freedom underscores the resilience of the human spirit. It also highlights the importance of global cooperation in supporting those who know hostages and their families.
The Emotional Aftermath: Family and Faith
Rebuilding life after trauma requires strength, faith, and unwavering support. For Sigi Cohen, the return of her son was both a joy and a challenge. She described his homecoming as a “rebirth,” but the adjustment was far from easy. The emotional toll of his captivity left her grappling with feelings of helplessness and relief.
Sigi Cohen’s Perspective
Sigi’s journey reflects the struggles of a mother witnessing her child’s pain. “Seeing him struggle to adjust was heartbreaking,” she shared. Her emotional collapse post-release highlights the intergenerational trauma that many families face. Drawing parallels to the Holocaust, Sigi emphasized the resilience of the Jewish people. “Our history teaches us to find light in the darkest times,” she said.
The tefillin ceremony at the Re’im shelter became a powerful moment of closure. This ritual, deeply rooted in the opinions Jewish world, symbolized a return to faith and normalcy. For Sigi, it was a reminder of the enduring strength of their community.
Ziv’s Unwavering Support
Ziv’s role in this journey was equally profound. While celebrating her partner’s return, she also carried the weight of survivor guilt over her nephew Amit’s death. “It’s hard to feel joy when you’ve lost so much,” she admitted. Yet, her focus remained on supporting her partner, even as she navigated her own grief.
Her revelation of an engagement ring brought a glimmer of hope for the future. “We’ve been through so much, but we’re still here,” she said. Their plans for the future, including a trip to Thailand, symbolize a commitment to reclaiming their lives.
- Canadian Connection: Programs like Canada’s Jewish community support networks offer valuable resources for families facing similar challenges.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Initiatives in Canada highlight the power of faith and community in overcoming adversity.
This story of resilience and recovery underscores the importance of family, faith, and global solidarity. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, the human spirit can find a way to heal.
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Resilience shines brightest in the face of unimaginable challenges. This story highlights the strength of the human spirit and the power of community. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail.
Survival strategies, like maintaining faith and forming bonds, played a crucial role during captivity. However, the journey to recovery is ongoing. Rehabilitation requires a lot of support, both emotional and physical.
On a global scale, this story underscores the importance of international cooperation in hostage recovery. It also resonates with Canadian culture, where initiatives to support hostage families are gaining momentum. Encouraging donations to relevant charities can make a significant difference.
Ziv’s metaphor of a seafood restaurant symbolizes renewed life and the joy of simple things. Her message to other families is clear: “Never stop believing.” This story is a testament to the resilience of the human mind and the enduring power of hope.