Eliyah Cohen’s Message to Decision-Makers
Survivor of captivity Eliyah Cohen, who was brought home two weeks ago, delivered a message in a video screened Saturday evening at the Hostages’ Square. Addressing leaders in Israel and abroad, he declared:
“I want you to know that I trust you. The hostages still down there trust you too.”
“Thank You for Not Giving Up on Me”
Cohen began by expressing his deep gratitude:
“I want to thank the people of Israel, my family, my friends, and everyone who supported the fight to bring me home. Thank you for not giving up on me, for shouting my name, for pressing, for demanding an agreement. Without that pressure, I don’t know if or when we would have been released.
“Thank you to the army—soldiers, commanders, reservists, and the families of soldiers who gave everything.
“We didn’t have the privilege of giving up, not for a single moment, while you were fighting up there. You can’t give up when people wake up every morning, leave their homes, and knowingly risk losing their friends and brothers in battle.”
“A Warm Embrace for Bereaved Families”
Cohen then turned to the families who have lost loved ones:
“I want to send a warm embrace to the bereaved families who have lost the most precious thing in the world. I will never forget them. We are here thanks to you.”
Speaking again to world leaders, he emphasized:
“We have a window of opportunity to bring everyone back. You brought me back, and you can bring them all back—both the living and those who have fallen. There are people sitting underground, just waiting to come home. You have no idea what they are going through.”
“Now Is the Time – No Delays”
“This is the time to put everything aside—politics, distractions, arguments. If necessary, make compromises and bring everyone home. We must enter the negotiation room and not leave for days and nights until we get them all back.
“There is no reason to drag this out—not in parts, not in phases. Simply bring everyone home. Israel is strong enough to do this, and now is the time for our country to act.”
“You Are Loved and We Are Fighting for You”
Cohen also addressed the remaining hostages directly:
“I know there’s a small chance you can hear me. I want you to know that the people of Israel love you, that we are fighting for you with everything we have. You have no idea how much you are loved, how many people are working to bring you home.
“Alon Ohel, Elkana Bohbot—stay strong, I love you. I know what they are telling you in captivity, I know what they say—it’s all nonsense. You are coming home.
“I promise you, we are all united here—your families, your friends—we are doing everything to bring you back.”
