Israeli Hostage Survivor Eliya Cohen Marries Ziv Avud in Emotional Ceremony Fulfilling Prison Promise

Eliya Cohen, who survived 505 days in Hamas captivity, married his longtime partner Ziv Avud in a deeply moving ceremony at Havat Ronit. The wedding, attended by around 1,000 guests, was marked by Cohen fulfilling a promise he made to God during his imprisonment: to publicly thank the Creator and lead the crowd in reciting the "Shema Yisrael" prayer under the chuppah. Cohen emotionally recounted how his life was abruptly interrupted three years ago on October 7, just moments before he intended to propose to Avud.

In his heartfelt speech, Cohen expressed gratitude to God for his survival and for reuniting him with the woman he loves. He described how his faith and conversations with God sustained him throughout his ordeal. Avud called their union a victory over their captors, hoping even Al Jazeera broadcast their wedding as a symbol of resilience.

The ceremony was officiated by Israel's Chief Rabbi David Lau, with the ketubah (marriage contract) penned by Moshe Shapira, father of fallen soldier Enar Shapira, who had protected Cohen and Avud during a Hamas attack. The couple had been engaged since October 2025, when Cohen proposed on a Tel Aviv hotel rooftop before his capture. After a decade-long relationship and a harrowing separation, the wedding marked a new beginning for the couple surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.

The event was produced by Moran Spiegel, with Avud wearing a gown designed by Dalia Dimitrios, and featured a slow dance to Nathan Goshen's "Two Children in the World." Cohen and Avud's reunion and wedding symbolize personal triumph and hope amid ongoing regional tensions.