In a poignant celebration of love and resilience,
Their story began on October 7, 2023, when Cohen was abducted by Hamas during a violent attack. Aboud, who was at the Nova music festival with his nephew Amit Ben Avida and Avida's girlfriend Karin Schwarzman, narrowly escaped the chaos by hiding among the deceased in a roadside shelter. Tragically, Avida and Schwarzman lost their lives in the attack, while Aboud managed to survive.
From Captivity to Celebration
After enduring more than a year of separation, Cohen was released from captivity in February 2025, having spent 505 days in harsh conditions. During this time, he suffered significant abuse and lived with an untreated bullet wound from the initial attack. Aboud, who had planned to propose to Cohen before her abduction, learned of her plight and was determined to reunite with her. Their engagement followed his release, symbolizing hope and a new beginning.
The wedding ceremony was a heartfelt affair, with Israeli singer Amir Benayoun performing “Nitzachta Iti Hakol” (“You Won Everything With Me”) as he escorted the couple to the chuppah. This moment encapsulated the couple's journey from trauma to triumph, as they celebrated their love surrounded by family and friends.
A Journey of Love and Loss
Cohen's abduction was part of a larger crisis that affected many families, but her story stands out as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The couple's love story, marked by separation and struggle, has resonated deeply with those who have followed their journey. As they embark on this new chapter together, Cohen and Aboud exemplify resilience and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.