Former Hamas Captive Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod Celebrate Emotional Wedding After Harrowing Ordeal

Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod, whose lives were shattered during the Hamas attack on October 7, have finally married after a long and painful journey from captivity to recovery. Eli-H was held captive by Hamas, while Ziv fought tirelessly worldwide for his release, symbolized by her iconic red and yellow dresses worn during public demonstrations. Their wedding marks not only a celebration but a profound victory over trauma and adversity.

The couple’s ordeal began during the deadly attack at the Nova festival, where Eli-H was abducted and unaware that Ziv had survived. Ziv’s public fight for his freedom became a symbol of hope. Despite the joyous occasion, Eli-H openly discussed the ongoing psychological challenges he faces, including PTSD symptoms triggered months after his release. Physically, Eli-H endured a severe injury with a bullet lodged in his ankle joint, requiring a complex surgery two months ago. He is now relearning to walk, describing the process as akin to a toddler’s first steps.

Emotionally, the couple had to dismantle numerous psychological barriers built over two years of trauma. Ziv revealed the difficulty of reconnecting with her feelings after such hardship, while Eli-H spoke about grieving fully to survive and choosing strength despite the pain. Their wedding ceremony was deeply personal, including a visit to the grave of Ziv’s nephew Amit Ben-Ephraim, who was killed in the Nova attack and was a spiritual force behind their relationship.

The wedding also honored two close friends who could not be present, with their voices played via AI during the ceremony. Eli-H fulfilled a vow to recite the "Shema Yisrael" prayer at the chuppah, symbolizing faith and resilience. Ziv called their union a "victory over evil," hoping even adversaries see their bond. Looking ahead, the couple plans to build a joyful life with "at least five children" and a home filled with happiness, marking their wedding as both a culmination and a new beginning.

Summary: After surviving captivity and severe trauma from the Hamas attack, Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod have married, overcoming physical and emotional scars. Their wedding symbolizes resilience, love, and hope for a peaceful future in Israel.

Points: - Eli-H Cohen and Ziv Avod married after surviving Hamas captivity and trauma from the October 7 attack. - Eli-H underwent complex surgery for a bullet wound in his ankle and is relearning to walk. - Ziv’s symbolic dresses became a global emblem of the fight for Eli-H’s release. - The couple faced deep psychological challenges, dismantling emotional barriers built over two years. - Their wedding honored fallen loved ones and included AI voices of absent friends. - They recited the "Shema Yisrael" prayer at the chuppah, marking faith and resilience. - The couple plans a joyful future with children and a happy home.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Eli-H Cohen","Ziv Avod","Omer Shem Tov","Amit Ben-Ephraim","Moshe Shapira"],"organizations":["Hamas","Red Cross","Channel 12 News"],"places":["Israel","Gaza","Nova Festival","Tel Aviv","Denver"]}