Israeli Woman Shares Inspiring Story of Survival and Resilience after Release from Hamas Captivity
In a moving speech at Yeshiva University in New York City, Sapir Cohen, a former hostage held captive by Hamas for 55 days, shared her harrowing experience and the profound impact it had on her life. Cohen, a shy software engineer prior to her abduction, found herself transformed by her ordeal, discovering her inner strength and a newfound purpose.
During those agonizing 55 days, Cohen and a terrified 16-year-old girl were subjected to unimaginable hardships at the hands of their captors. However, instead of succumbing to fear and despair, Cohen made a conscious decision to put aside her own pain and fear and care for the young girl. This act of selflessness became a turning point for Cohen, igniting a sense of power within her.
“I decided to take this responsibility, and from that moment, I felt so powerful,” Cohen shared. “I realized that I could take every bad moment and turn it into something funny.”
Despite the constant threat and uncertainty, Cohen’s resilience shone through. After spending a month hidden in a house, they were informed that they would be taken to the dreaded tunnels. Sensing the young girl’s panic, Cohen used humor to alleviate her fears, quipping, “We’re in Gaza. We have to see the No. 1 attraction in Gaza.”
The nightmare began for Cohen on October 7 when she was visiting her boyfriend’s family. Tragically, her boyfriend Sasha remains in captivity, and his father lost his life during the abduction. However, even in the face of such heart-wrenching circumstances, Cohen finds solace in her faith and maintains a positive outlook.
“Every day, I say three things,” Cohen revealed. “First, I pray. Second, I thank God for sending me to this place and giving me the strength to protect myself and the girl. And lastly, I express gratitude for all the angels God sent me in this hellish situation.”
Initially, upon her release, Cohen retreated to her room and cried. However, she soon realized that her survival story held a message of hope that needed to be shared. Now, she travels the world, spreading her powerful message of resilience and inspiring others to find strength in the face of adversity.
Cohen’s journey serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome immense challenges and find meaning in the darkest of times. Her story is a reminder that even in the most despairing situations, there is always a glimmer of hope and the potential for personal growth.
In conclusion, Sapir Cohen’s experience as a hostage of Hamas is a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience that lie within each of us. Her ability to transform her own suffering into a source of strength and inspiration is truly remarkable. By sharing her story, Cohen not only offers hope to others facing their own struggles but also reminds us of the power of compassion and selflessness in the face of adversity.
