Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud Share Experiences of Survival at UN Commemoration

<p><strong>UNITED NATIONS —</strong> Eliya Cohen, who survived 505 days in Hamas captivity, spoke at the United Nations alongside his wife, Ziv Abud, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre. They addressed diplomats about their experiences during the October 7, 2023 attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel.</p><p>Cohen described the conditions of his captivity, stating, "They didn't let me change clothes or to get a shower, even to eat or to drink. They chained me with heavy iron chains by my leg." He recounted that the captors kept lights on to prevent sleep and would enter at night to frighten the hostages. He emphasized the mental struggle to focus on the possibility of returning home.</p><p>During the attack on the Nova festival, Abud and Cohen sought refuge in a bomb shelter that was overcrowded. Abud recounted that over 40 terrorists attacked the shelter, and Cohen protected her by covering her with bodies. She later woke up in a pile of bodies, realizing her nephew and his girlfriend had been killed.</p><p>After 505 days of Cohen's captivity, the couple married shortly before the commemoration. Abud expressed hope for their future, stating, "We need to live a normal life."</p><p>Another survivor, Oriya Berlin, shared her experience as a soldier during the attack, describing how she and her unit were unarmed and attacked by heavily armed terrorists. After ten hours, they were rescued by special forces.</p><p>U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz met with Cohen and Abud, expressing relief at their well-being. He recounted how Hamas attempted to use Cohen for propaganda during his captivity, which he refused. Waltz emphasized the importance of recognizing the loss from the October 7 attack and the changes that have occurred since.</p><p>Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon criticized the U.N. for its treatment of Israel and expressed personal sentiments regarding his family's service in the IDF.</p><p>Ultimately, Cohen and Abud focused on their hopes for a future together, with Cohen affirming, "I won, and I'm here," and encouraging others to remain proud of their Jewish and Israeli identities.</p>