"It Could Have Been Anyone"
Inside Mar-a-Lago: Former Hostage Eliya Cohen Shares Captivity Horrors With President Trump
Former captive Eliya Cohen and his fiancée met with Donald Trump at his Florida estate to share the harrowing details of his time in Gaza and advocate for the final hostage remaining in the hands of terrorists.
Eliya Cohen, a survivor of Hamas captivity, recently traveled to Florida for a significant face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Accompanied by his fiancée, Ziv Abud, Cohen was hosted at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach for a private meal and discussion. The meeting, which was organized through the initiative of businessman Shlomi Ivgi, provided Cohen with a global platform to share the personal and national trauma resulting from the October 7 massacre and the subsequent war.
During their shared meal, Cohen spoke at length about the grueling details of his time in captivity and the critical importance of keeping the world’s attention on the victims of terrorism. He took the opportunity to personally thank the President for his vocal support of Israel and his efforts to address the threats facing the Jewish state. Cohen used the high-profile moment to remind the President of the ongoing crisis, emphasizing, "We must not forget that one hostage still remains in captivity." The President listened intently to the testimony and, according to those present, told Cohen that he foresees great things for him in the future.
For Cohen, the meeting was about more than just a personal story, it was about ensuring that the international community understands the gravity of the threat posed by terrorists. Reflecting on the encounter, Cohen expressed a sense of relief and purpose. "It is so important for me to understand that all our efforts are not in vain, that we show everyone that what we went through on that accursed day of October 7 could have happened to anyone else, and that President Trump hears this and understands how important it is to stand with Israel, it is worth everything!" he said.
The visit highlights the continued efforts of survivors to advocate for those still missing and to solidify international alliances as the war continues. By bringing his story directly to one of the world's most influential leaders, Cohen hopes to ensure that the memory of that day remains a catalyst for action. He believes that having leaders who truly understand the stakes of the battle against Hamas is essential for the security of both Israel and the broader world.