Freed Hostage Eli-Yah Cohen Marries Fiancée Ziv Avud

Eliya Cohen and Ziv Aboud married Wednesday evening, bringing to a close a separation that lasted 505 days while Cohen was held hostage in Gaza. The couple, who have been together for a decade, are finally able to celebrate the wedding they had long planned.

In photographs released ahead of the ceremony, the couple is seen reuniting after a week apart, a traditional separation before the wedding. Ziv appears in her wedding gown as Eliya waits to see her for the first time as his bride.

Eliya Cohen and his beloved Ziv Aboud are getting married this evening. (Or Gefen Communications)

The wedding marks the culmination of a journey that began long before Cohen's abduction. The couple comes to the chuppah (wedding canopy) after ten years together, followed by 505 days of longing and Ziv's tireless advocacy for her partner's release.

Throughout the period of Cohen's captivity, Ziv campaigned for his freedom while waiting for the moment they could resume their shared life. Now that both are home, free and reunited, they are choosing one another anew.

The ceremony will take place at Havat Ronit, a wedding venue, produced by Moran Shpigel. More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend, including family members and friends of the couple.

Former Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau will officiate the wedding ceremony. Singer and composer Amir Benayoun will accompany the couple as they enter the chuppah, and the bride's gowns were designed by Dalia Dimitrius.

In images released before the event, the couple shares a private moment before the larger celebration. After a period in which they had to fight simply for the possibility of being together, they have arrived at the moment they dreamed of, surrounded by those who supported them throughout.

For them, this wedding represents more than the start of a new chapter. Following the difficult days, the distance, and the long wait, Ziv and Eliya are preparing to promise one another to continue choosing life, love, and their shared future. This evening they will stand together under the chuppah, at home and in freedom, and emerge as husband and wife.