United Nations – A Story of Survival and Strength
At a recent event at the United Nations, Eliya Cohen, who survived a harrowing 505 days in Hamas captivity, took to the stage with his wife, Ziv Abud. Ziv, a survivor of the tragic Nova music festival attack, joined him as they shared their emotional experiences with a gathering of global leaders.
Recalling his time in captivity, Cohen described the inhumane treatment he endured. “They didn’t let me change clothes or even take a shower,” he said. “I was chained by my leg with heavy metal chains.” The conditions were brutal; lights were kept on to prevent them from sleeping, and the captors often entered their space at night to frighten the hostages. Cohen revealed they were frequently denied basic human needs, making survival feel impossible.
Cohen was taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, assault that shocked Israel. This attack, led by Hamas, resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, marking the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Cohen personally felt the immense loss when he lost 48 acquaintances that day.
Ziv Abud, who attended the Nova festival, shared her own harrowing tale. She and her friends sought refuge in a shelter designed for just eight people but found themselves crammed with nearly 30 others. During the attack, armed terrorists assaulted the shelter, leading to chaos and loss. Ziv lost her nephew and his girlfriend that day, making her survival a bittersweet victory.
After their trauma, both Cohen and Ziv began to focus on rebuilding their lives. They recently married and expressed hopes for a future filled with family and happiness. “Now, I can look forward to the future after we got married,” Ziv said, hoping to create a family together.
Another survivor, Oriya Berlin, a young Israeli soldier stationed near the Gaza border, also shared her story. On the morning of the attack, she initially mistook the sounds of gunfire for thunder. Along with her fellow soldiers, she found herself trapped, unarmed, and in fear for their lives. They waited helplessly for rescue while the chaos unfolded.
During the commemoration event, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz shared his admiration for Cohen’s strength. He recalled how Cohen refused to participate in Hamas propaganda efforts, standing firm in his rejection of their demands. “Eliya, we salute you,” Waltz said, praising Cohen’s resilience.
The event also addressed the broader implications of the October 7 attack, which has become a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Ambassador Waltz emphasized the importance of remembering this day while focusing on healing and moving forward in a changing region.
As Cohen concluded his speech, he conveyed a powerful message: “I won. I am here.” He encouraged everyone to stay proud of their identity and heritage.
For Cohen and Ziv, the shadows of their past will always remain, but they look ahead with hope for a brighter future together. “We are here to stay,” Ziv affirmed, embodying the strength and resilience of survivors facing unimaginable challenges.
