Israeli TV Host Abri Gilad Breaks Down Discussing Hostage Survivor's Book
Israeli television host Abri Gilad became visibly emotional during a broadcast while interviewing former Hamas hostage Eli-H Cohen and his partner Ziv Avod about their new book. Gilad revealed that reading their account of the October 7th attack, Cohen's 505 days in captivity, and Avod's struggle for his release had deeply affected him.
"I sat on the balcony and read the book and cried. I allowed myself to wail," Gilad confessed on air, explaining that the book transcended a typical testimony, forcing him to confront pain without emotional distance. He described the experience as a human journey that compelled him to stop and engage with the suffering.
The couple's book, titled "Aisha, Building a Home Together from the Ruins," recounts their individual experiences since the Hamas attack. Cohen was abducted from the Supernova music festival near Re'im, while Avod, who survived the massacre, launched a public campaign for his return. The book also details their complex challenges in rebuilding their lives and relationship after his release.
Gilad's raw emotional reaction became a significant part of the interview, highlighting the profound impact of the couple's story. He emphasized that their narrative wasn't just a record of their ordeal but a powerful human experience that resonated deeply with him, leading to tears he did not try to hide.