Beyond the Pain
From Captivity to the Knesset: The Remarkable Rehabilitation of Former Hostage Alon Ohel
In a deeply moving appearance at the Knesset, former hostage Alon Ohel performed on the piano and shared how music and prayer served as his spiritual anchor during his harrowing time in captivity.
For the first time since his return from captivity, Alon Ohel appeared publicly at the Israeli Knesset to share his journey of healing and resilience. The event, held as a tribute to the ZAKA organization on its 30th anniversary, reached an emotional peak when Ohel sat down to play the piano, the very instrument that became his symbol of hope while he was held by terrorists. He used the platform to speak candidly about the rehabilitation process he is currently undergoing, both physically and mentally, following the trauma of the war.
Ohel’s testimony was a raw account of the existential fear and uncertainty he faced during his long period in Gaza. He described moments where he felt he was on the verge of losing his life, yet he found the strength to keep going. He told the audience that during his darkest hours, he turned toward prayer, pleading with his Father in Heaven to remain alive. Despite the inevitable moments of breaking down and crying, he emphasized that he never allowed his hope or faith to fully vanish. He explained that music became a form of prayer for him, a mental anchor that allowed him to escape his grim surroundings.
While in the hands of Hamas terrorists, Ohel would use his imagination to survive, picturing light, the sea, and his family. He visualized a better future as a way to combat the terror of the present. This mental discipline is what he credits for his survival and what he continues to lean on during his recovery. He told the gathered crowd that the same strength he discovered in Gaza is what fuels his life today.
Addressing the Knesset members and ZAKA volunteers, Ohel delivered a powerful message of perseverance. He told the audience, “Just as I was strong in captivity, I am strong now, and from here I am only looking up.” His appearance served as a reminder of the human spirit's ability to endure and rebuild even after facing the ultimate nightmare. By sharing his story, Ohel hopes to inspire other survivors and the families of those still held to maintain their faith that better days are ahead.