Hostage Survivor and Fiancée Release Book on Life After Trauma
Two weeks after their wedding, Ziv and Al-ליה Cohen have released a new book titled "Aisha," detailing their lives and journey to building a home together following the October 7th Hamas attack and Al-ליה's subsequent captivity. The book's title, meaning "alive" in Arabic, reflects their survival and the continuation of life.
Al-ליה Cohen was held captive for 505 days, while Ziv navigated the war and the agonizing wait for his return. The couple emphasizes that life does not immediately return to normal after such trauma, with Al-ליה expressing gratitude for each day rather than claiming normalcy. He describes his current life, having returned home and married Ziv, as the life he dreamed of, but acknowledges the ongoing process of healing.
Written over approximately a year, with the assistance of ghostwriter Eli Khalifa, the book delves into their shared experiences and the challenges of rebuilding their lives and relationship post-captivity and war. Ziv described the writing process as intensive, involving hours of recounting difficult memories, but stressed its importance in telling their story of resilience.
The Cohens also discuss a perceived "Jewish awakening" in Israeli society since October 7th, noting a renewed connection to faith and tradition. Al-ליה believes profound hardship can lead to a deeper encounter with faith, a process he experienced in captivity and observes in the broader public. Ziv adds that this trend is also visible among Jewish communities abroad, with many reconnecting with their heritage.
Looking ahead, the couple aims to build a home grounded in religious and Jewish values, a desire Al-ליה has held since childhood. They are already incorporating traditions like blessings over food and lighting candles into their daily lives. Their core values for future children include respecting parents and fostering familial love. The book serves as a message of hope, urging readers not to take life for granted and to embrace the present.
