Standing for the Chuppah: Captivity Survivor Eliya Cohen Asks for Prayers Ahead of Critical Surgery
Captivity survivor Eliya Cohen underwent a critical surgery today with the goal of being able to stand at his wedding in four months. He asked the public to pray for the recovery of Eliya ben Sigalit.
Eliya Cohen, who recently returned from captivity, has shared a moving video message asking the public for their prayers as he faces a critical surgery today.
Cohen underwent a complex operation on his foot, a major step in the long rehabilitation process he has been navigating since his release. For Eliya, the stakes of the surgery are deeply personal: its success will determine if he can stand on his own two feet under the wedding canopy (Chuppah) and break the glass at his wedding, which is scheduled for four months from now.
The path to the wedding canopy
Eliya was wounded on the day he was abducted and did not receive proper medical care throughout his time in captivity. He views this surgery as a turning point in his recovery. The goal is to restore enough function and stability to his foot to allow him to stand throughout his wedding ceremony.
"Pray that the surgery goes well"
Just before entering the operating room, Eliya reached out to the public to ask for their thoughts and spiritual support.
"Please pray that the surgery passes safely and that I will be able to stand under the Chuppah and break the glass," he said.
The surgery was successful, and Eliya has a long and arduous rehab and recovery ahead of him.
He said that he will not stay in hospital for the rehab because it triggers difficult memories of his experiences in Gaza.
The public is asked to keep Eliya ben Sigalit in their prayers.