Couple Reconciles After Husband's Arson Spree Targeting Religious Courts

A documentary titled "The Match" on Israel's Channel 11 explores the tumultuous life of Zion Cohen, a 74-year-old pensioner who was convicted of arson for bombing several rabbinical courts. Cohen, a father of four and a respected member of his kibbutz, was sentenced to three years in prison in September 2021 for the May 2020 attacks, which caused significant damage.

The film centers on his wife, Hannah Cohen, who was unaware of his plans. The couple met 44 years ago at Kibbutz Merom Golan, where they eventually married and raised their four children. Despite a challenging marriage, marked by Zion's introverted nature and a past incident where he served jail time for refusing military service in Lebanon, Hannah stayed with him, citing a deep passion and mutual reliance.

The catalyst for Zion's actions, according to the film, was his distress over the perceived control of religious authorities over personal lives, particularly after witnessing a story about an agunah (a chained woman whose husband refuses to grant a divorce). When Hannah initiated divorce proceedings in 2012, a rabbin informed them that a marriage between a Kohen (a descendant of Aaron) and a divorcee was forbidden, a ruling that deeply angered Zion and fueled his resolve to fight the religious establishment.

While Hannah was briefly detained and investigated for aiding and abetting after Zion's arrest, her innocence was established through his confession and a diary he kept. The film highlights Hannah's remarkable capacity for forgiveness and her decision to reconcile with Zion after his release from prison. They have since rebuilt their relationship, which she describes as stronger and more loving than ever, with Zion expressing his love frequently and actively working on their relationship. Hannah hopes their story will inspire others to prioritize self-love and attempt to salvage their marriages.