Eliya Cohen, a former hostage held by Hamas for 505 days, revealed in a recent interview that he learned English while in captivity with the help of fellow hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. This personal account highlights the bonds formed among captives and the ongoing emotional struggle faced by survivors and those still held.
Who: The story centers on Eliya Cohen, an Israeli man who was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023, attack on the Nova music festival. Other key figures include Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered in captivity, and Alon Ohel, another hostage Cohen was held with. Cohen’s girlfriend, Ziv Abud, also plays a role as a survivor who advocated for his release.
What: Cohen shared his experiences of captivity in Gaza, including how Goldberg-Polin helped him practice English by lending him a book to read. He reflected on the deep bonds formed with fellow hostages, the harsh conditions they endured, and the trauma of losing friends. The interview, aired by CNN, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the resilience of those affected.
When: Cohen was held captive from October 7, 2023, until his release after 505 days, which would place his release around early 2025 based on the timeline. The interview was conducted recently and aired on August 19 or 20, 2025, making it a current news story. The events described span from the initial attack to the present day, emphasizing the prolonged nature of the hostage situation.
Where: The captivity occurred in Gaza, where Cohen was held in underground tunnels by Hamas terrorists. The Nova music festival attack took place in southern Israel, near the Gaza border. The interview was likely conducted in Israel, where Cohen is now free, but details of the recording location are not specified in the article.
Why: Cohen’s reflection is driven by a need to process his trauma, honor the memory of those who died, and advocate for the remaining hostages. His story sheds light on the psychological impact of captivity and the importance of international attention on hostage situations. It also aims to pressure leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume negotiations for the release of the 20 hostages still held.
How: During captivity, Cohen and others were chained in small, dark tunnels with minimal rations—surviving on pita bread and canned beans—and could shower only once every two months. Goldberg-Polin’s assistance with English provided a mental escape and a bond that helped Cohen cope. The interview details these struggles, the moments of connection, and the brutal reality of their imprisonment.
Impact: Cohen’s account has an emotional impact, highlighting the guilt he feels for being free while others remain captive, and it raises awareness about the ongoing hostage crisis. It humanizes the statistics, showing the personal sacrifices and resilience of individuals. This story could influence public opinion and diplomatic efforts, urging action for the hostages’ release.
What’s next: Cohen is advocating for the remaining hostages’ release through negotiations, not military action. He has promised to fight for their freedom and is calling on Netanyahu to return to talks. His recovery continues, but the focus remains on bringing all hostages home, underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.