Released hostage Sapir Cohen conveyed a message of gratitude and hope at a unity conference marking Israel's Independence Day on Tuesday. Cohen voiced appreciation for the national solidarity displayed during efforts to secure her freedom from the Hamas terror organization, saying it filled her with hope.
"After my return, when I saw how much they fought for me here in Israel, I saw unity, I saw hope, mutual respect, and patience," Cohen told the thousands gathered at the event in Latrun. Her partner, Trupanob Alexander (Sasha), remains in Hamas captivity.
Video: Sapir Cohen speaking at the Independence Day event / Credit: Yoni Rykner
Cohen, 26, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 and was released in November – after 55 days in captivity – as part of a temporary truce deal. While in captivity, she was determined to help fellow captives cope during their ordeal. "When I arrived in Gaza, I cried over my fate, I looked around me, saw the emotional state of the captives with me, and decided to help and turn captivity into a better place for them, a place of hope," Cohen said.
The conference brought together bereaved families, families of hostages, reservists, and social organizations, such as Nifgashim and Hashomer HaChadash that organized the event with the support of the Ruderman Family Foundation and the Maimonides Fund. It opened with family activities and public singing before a parade of thousands of kites, led by Hagai Lober, whose son Elisha Yehonatan was killed in Gaza.
Other speakers included family members of hostages, wounded reservists, and former military officials who called for national unity to overcome internal divisions and external threats.
Yoel Zilberman, founder and CEO of HaShomer HaChadash, said, "In the early days of our state, people of diverse backgrounds – Arabs and Jews from different places, languages, and mindsets – came together in Israel. Despite countless obstacles, we defied the odds and established our nation after 2000 years of exile. Now, 76 years later, as the world questions our right to defend ourselves against ruthless enemies, it's crucial that we, despite our differences, unite for the future of our country.
"In a time when leadership lacks accountability and foresight, the responsibility falls on us to spark change from the ground up, initiating actions that will revitalize and rebuild our nation. Through resilience, embracing national unity in all its forms, and the brave actions taken tonight, we pave the way for a fresh start."
David Salomon, founder and CEO of Nifgashim, said, "Every day in this war, I hear the cries and feel the silent voices – the warriors in the field, the wounded, the incredible families, and heroes – echoing their pleas for six months. We must unite! I ask myself, how can I continue unchanged when faced with such awakening? We have a duty and a shared commitment, and success lies within all of us. The road ahead may be uncertain, and the new reality hard to envision, but change is underway! It will come from those who choose to stand firm, to act, illuminating both the present and the future."
Some 132 hostages remain captive in Gaza, including children.
