Nearly three years after the October 7th massacre, Eli Hacohen and Ziv Avud are marking a deeply emotional full-circle moment ahead of their wedding next week.
On October 7, the couple was at a shelter in Re'im. Aner Shapira, of blessed memory, bravely fought to protect those inside, throwing back grenades that were hurled into the shelter and saving many of the people there at the cost of his own life.
Ziv was among those who survived the attack on the shelter, while Eliya was kidnapped to Gaza and returned to Israel after 505 days in captivity.
Now, as they prepare to marry, the couple has chosen Moshe Shapira, Aner's father, to write their marriage contract.
"For us, this is a full circle that is difficult to put into words. Aner was part of the moment that changed our lives, and today his father will be the one to write our marriage contract and take part in the moment when we choose life and love. It moves us very much," Eliya and Ziv said.
"We have gone through a very long journey since that day, and the wedding that is coming now feels like a small victory of life. We want to thank Moshe Shapira for this special connection and for the honor he gives us," they added.