Former Israeli Captive Sagi Dekel-Han Debuts Album Written During 498 Days in Captivity

Sagi Dekel-Han, an Israeli who was held captive for 498 days after being abducted from his kibbutz, transformed the lawn of Kibbutz Nir Oz into a vibrant concert venue on August 12. This marked the first large-scale event there since the abduction on October 7, 2023. Dekel-Han premiered his debut album "Minus One," featuring nine songs he composed mentally during his captivity in an underground tunnel. The album, named after the tunnel where he was held, was released on streaming platforms following the live performance.

The event was part of the Israel Festival and attracted around 3,000 attendees, including notable Israeli artists such as Idan Raichel, Marina Maximilian, and Hatikva 6. The audience received songbooklets featuring Dekel-Han’s image from the well-known campaign for the release of hostages. Dekel-Han opened the concert with a personal letter explaining that he never intended to become a singer but found strength and hope through music while imprisoned. He described how he memorized songs and created melodies in his mind, unable to write or perform them until after his release on February 15, 2025.

He recorded the songs quietly in a hospital room days after his release and planned to share them publicly only after ensuring the safety of other captives. Dekel-Han expressed deep emotional ties to Nir Oz, where he grew up, raised his children, and where many friends fell. The concert was not a celebration but a significant chapter in his ongoing story. Many songs were dedicated to his family, including one to his daughter born during his captivity. The performance was marked by emotional moments as Dekel-Han shared memories of his ordeal and recovery.

The event symbolized resilience and hope for the community of Nir Oz, which has endured hardship since the abduction. Dekel-Han hopes the concert will contribute to rebuilding the kibbutz and serve as a foundation for new life there. His music, born from trauma, now connects him with his family, friends, and supporters, illustrating a personal and collective journey from darkness to light.