Hamas Captive Eli Cohen Marries Fiancée in Emotional Wedding Marking Life’s Triumph
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Eli Cohen, who was held captive by Hamas for 505 days, married Ziv Avud, a survivor of the Hamas attack on Simchat Torah, in a deeply emotional ceremony. The wedding symbolized hope and resilience, featuring a prayer led by Cohen and a ketubah written by the father of a fallen hero who saved Avud. The event was blessed by Chief Rabbi David Lau and marked a powerful moment of national inspiration.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eli Cohen survived 505 days in Hamas captivity before marrying Ziv Avud, a Simchat Torah attack survivor.
- Ziv was saved by Iner Shapira, who died protecting others in the Hamas attack’s death shelter.
- Eli paused the wedding to thank God and lead guests in the Shema Israel prayer, fulfilling a captivity promise.
- The ketubah was written by the father of Iner Shapira, symbolizing closure and gratitude.
- Chief Rabbi David Lau blessed the ceremony, emphasizing its spiritual and national significance.
Eli Cohen, who survived 505 days in Hamas captivity, married his fiancée Ziv Avud in a deeply moving ceremony held at Havat Ronit. The wedding, held on Wednesday, symbolized a profound victory of life and hope after both endured harrowing experiences during the Hamas attack on Simchat Torah. Ziv survived the deadly "death shelter" where she was trapped under bodies, saved by the heroic sacrifice of Iner Shapira, who died protecting others. Meanwhile, Eli was abducted to Gaza wounded, believing Ziv had not survived.
Months later, the couple reunited, and their wedding became a moment of national inspiration. During the ceremony, Eli paused before breaking the glass to thank God and lead the hundreds of guests in reciting the Shema Israel prayer, fulfilling a promise he made during captivity. He expressed gratitude for being able to stand under the chuppah with the woman he loves, calling it the greatest surprise of his life.
Adding to the emotional weight, the wedding contract (ketubah) was written by the father of Iner Shapira, the fallen hero who saved Ziv and others. The couple described this as a powerful closing of a painful chapter. The Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Lau, honored the ceremony with his blessing, underscoring the event’s spiritual significance.
This wedding not only celebrated the couple’s love but also became a symbol of resilience and faith for the entire nation, highlighting the human stories behind the recent conflict and the hope for renewal despite immense suffering.
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