Hostage Survivor Eli-H Cohen Shares Powerful Message at UN Event
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Hostage survivor Eli-H Cohen delivered a powerful message at a UN event marking three years since the October 7th massacre. He stated, "I won. And I am here," addressing his captors. The event featured Dr. Phil interviewing Cohen and his wife, Ziv Avod, a Nova survivor, and included a performance by Idan Raichel. Both survivors spoke about the ongoing trauma and their resilience, while diplomats praised their strength and refusal to be defeated.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hostage survivor Eli-H Cohen declared "I won. And I am here" to his captors at a UN remembrance event.
- The UN event marked three years since the October 7th massacre and featured Dr. Phil interviewing survivors.
- Cohen's wife, Ziv Avod, also a Nova survivor, spoke about the ongoing trauma and their fight for survival.
- Musician Idan Raichel performed songs of hope, joining Cohen for a duet.
- US Ambassador Mike Waltz commended Cohen for his resilience and refusal to be defeated by Hamas.
A special remembrance event held by the Israeli delegation to the UN in New York on Tuesday, marking three years since the October 7th massacre, featured a poignant moment with hostage survivor Eli-H Cohen. When asked by American television personality Dr. Phil what he would say to his captors, Cohen responded, "I won. And I am here." He added, "You are probably underground in your tunnels, with your hummus and pita, and I am here." The event also included a conversation between Dr. Phil and Cohen's wife, Ziv Avod, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, whom he married last August. Musician Idan Raichel performed twice, joining Cohen for a song during his second appearance.
Dr. Phil, who has visited Israel since October 7th and met with survivors and families of hostages, spoke about the ongoing trauma. "We talk about post-trauma. What exactly is 'post' in Israel? There is no 'post.' It continues. It's every day," he stated. He emphasized that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Cohen, who was held captive in Gaza for 505 days, and Avod, who fought for his release without knowing his fate, shared their experiences. Avod recounted how she was the only one of four family members present at the Nova festival to return home that night. Both acknowledged that the trauma persists, but Avod expressed hope for a better future and a normal life. Cohen described his suffering in captivity but focused on his determination to return to his family, stating that anger would not help him move forward.
Former observer Uriah Berlin, who survived the Hamas attack at her base, also testified, sharing a childhood mantra of strength and joy. Despite the option to be discharged, she chose to return to military service and later joined the IDF spokesperson's unit to advocate for truth. Musician Idan Raichel performed songs of longing and hope, including "Tachzor" (Return) and "Macheke" (Waiting), with Cohen joining him on the latter, adding a layer of personal significance to the lyrics about a better future.
Ambassador of Israel to the UN Danny Danon and US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz praised the resilience of the survivors. Danon highlighted Cohen and Avod's wedding as a symbol of strength and their choice to build a future together. Waltz commended Cohen for refusing to participate in Hamas propaganda and for his resilience, noting the survivors' ability to carry immense grief while still moving forward and building beautiful lives.
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