Former hostage Eliya Cohen and his partner, Ziv Abud, are getting married Wednesday evening after ten years together and 505 days during which Cohen was held in captivity. The wedding is being held at Ronit Farm with more than 1,000 relatives and friends in attendance.
After an entire week during which they did not see each other, the two met today for the first time as bride and groom. The first photographs of the reunion showed Abud in her wedding dress and Cohen preparing for the wedding ceremony.
Former Chief Rabbi David Lau will officiate at the chuppah and kiddushin ceremony. Singer-songwriter Amir Benayoun will accompany the couple as they enter the chuppah.
On October 7, 2023, Eliya and Ziv were in the "death shelter" at Re'im. Aner Shapira fought back and threw grenades that had been tossed into the shelter back outside, thereby saving many of those inside. Ziv was among the survivors, while Eliya was abducted to Gaza and returned to Israel after 505 days in captivity.
The couple chose Moshe Shapira, Aner's father, to write their ketubah.
"For us, this is a closing of a circle that is difficult to describe in words. Aner was part of the moment that changed our lives, and today his father will be the one to write our ketubah and take part in the moment when we choose life and love. It is very moving for us," the couple said.
"We have been through a very long journey since that day, and this wedding now feels like a small victory for life," they added. "We want to thank Moshe Shapira for this special connection and for the privilege he is giving us."