Hostage Survivors Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod Return to Site of Nova Party Massacre
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Hostage survivor Eli-H Cohen and fellow survivor Ziv Avod returned to the site of the Supernova music festival massacre where Cohen was abducted and Avod survived. After 505 days of captivity, Cohen and Avod, now married, visited the "mignit" shelter. They are now active in advocacy, sharing their experiences and co-authoring a book about their journey. Cohen also wrote a book about his time in captivity, and both are undergoing rehabilitation for post-traumatic stress.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod, survivors of the Supernova massacre, returned to the site of their trauma.
- Cohen was abducted from the "mignit" shelter and held captive for 505 days.
- Avod survived the massacre at the shelter, losing family and friends.
- The couple, now married, are actively engaged in advocacy and have co-authored a book.
- Both survivors are undergoing rehabilitation and dealing with the long-term effects of PTSD.
Eli-H Cohen, who was abducted from the Supernova music festival's "mignit" (shelter) near Re'im, and Ziv Avod, who survived the massacre there after losing family and friends, have returned to the site where their lives were irrevocably changed. After 505 days in captivity, their reunion, and subsequent wedding, Cohen and Avod visited the location together.
Avod described the harrowing experience of that day, stating, "We arrived there four, two of us were murdered, Eli-H was abducted and I was left to deal with everything that happened and with the uncertainty about what would happen to Eli-H. From that day on, I was both mourning and fighting. I had to deal with what I went through myself and with the loss of Amit and Karin, and at the same time fight for Eli-H's life." She detailed her efforts during his captivity, "For 505 days I tried to do everything I could to bring him home. I spoke in the media, met people, traveled in Israel and abroad and told our story again and again, so that they wouldn't forget him and the other hostages."
Cohen and Avod are now active in public advocacy, lecturing in Israel and worldwide. Avod recounts her experience at the "mignit," while Cohen shares his time in captivity. Cohen stated, "For me too, hearing her talk is understanding another part of the period when I wasn't here. It's important to me that people hear from us what happened, and that we continue to tell about the people we lost as well." They have co-authored a book titled "Aisha," named after the moment Cohen learned Avod was alive, which explores their shared story, their relationship, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives together after their separate traumas.
Cohen also wrote a book about his 505 days in captivity, titled "Mufawadat." He reflected on the ongoing impact of their experiences, noting, "There is no return to the previous life, this is a life we are rebuilding." Despite their public activities, wedding, and books, they are undergoing rehabilitation and therapy. Cohen admitted, "It's hard for me to grasp that three years have passed." He added, "There are moments when October 7th and captivity feel very close. The time that has passed doesn't mean everything is behind me. People see me smiling, traveling, getting married and standing on a stage, and I am truly happy in those moments. Alongside that, there is dealing with post-trauma, difficult nights and dreams that take me back there."