Hostage Survivor Agam Goldstein-Almog Criticizes Netanyahu for Silence Amid Eden Ben Zaken Concert Appearance

Agam Goldstein-Almog, an Israeli hostage survivor, publicly condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he attended a concert by singer Eden Ben Zaken on August 20, 2026. Goldstein-Almog expressed her frustration on Instagram, criticizing Netanyahu for his ongoing silence and lack of personal contact since her release from captivity. She accused him of failing to take responsibility or show empathy for the loss she endured during his tenure as prime minister, calling his concert appearance "a joke and a spit in my face."

During the concert at Menora Mivtachim Arena, Netanyahu was warmly received by the audience and embraced by Ben Zaken, who paused her performance to introduce him and his wife to the crowd. Netanyahu addressed the audience, praising the Israeli people and the singer, stating, "It’s wonderful to be with our great people, it’s wonderful to be with you, Eden. You prove that the people of Israel are alive and happy."

Goldstein-Almog’s criticism highlights a broader pattern of silence from Israeli officials toward released hostages. Other survivors, including Amit Susna and Ilana Gritchvesky, have also reported receiving little to no contact from ministers since their release. Luis Har, freed in a military operation in February 2024, similarly noted Netanyahu’s lack of personal outreach despite authorizing the rescue.

Goldstein-Almog’s post underscores the emotional toll on survivors who feel neglected by their government leaders, contrasting sharply with the public celebration of Netanyahu at the concert. Her remarks call for accountability and empathy from the prime minister in the wake of traumatic national events.