Israeli Hostage Survivor Eli-H Cohen Marries Ziv Avod After Decade Together

Eli-H Cohen, an Israeli hostage survivor, and his partner Ziv Avod, both 29, celebrated their wedding on August 19, 2026, at Roni Farm in Israel. The ceremony, officiated by Israel's Chief Rabbi David Lau, was attended by over 1,000 guests including close family and friends. This milestone follows a decade-long relationship and Cohen's harrowing experience of being held captive for 505 days after his abduction from a party near Gaza on October 7, 2024, during which his leg was severely injured.

Cohen underwent a complex surgery on his crushed foot in April 2026, shortly before the wedding, and had expressed doubts about being able to stand at the ceremony. Despite these challenges, he stood and broke the traditional glass, symbolizing victory over his ordeal. The couple's journey included a traditional henna party in July 2026, where Cohen wore a garment embroidered with the number of days he was captive and a heartfelt message to his father.

Their love story began in high school when they were 14 and reignited years later through social media. During Cohen's captivity, Avod led a global and persistent campaign to secure his release, becoming a poignant public figure. One memorable image of Avod in a red dress sitting alone at a table in Tel Aviv became emblematic of their struggle. Cohen was finally released in February 2025, and the couple commemorated their wedding with a "Save The Date" video recreating that moment, this time with Cohen sitting beside Avod. They noted that Avod had promised herself her next dress would be white, a promise fulfilled at their wedding.

This event marks a powerful closure to a traumatic chapter and a celebration of resilience and enduring love.