MURRAY HILL, Manhattan (WABC) — An Israeli woman who was released by Hamas after 55 days told her story at Yeshiva University in New York City on Tuesday evening.
Before October 7, Sapir Cohen was a shy software engineer who couldn’t speak in front of a crowd. But after her release by Hamas, the former hostage has so much to tell, including her epiphany.
“I think one of the greatest miracles I’ve ever felt was … that maybe this is my destiny to be in this place,” Cohen said.
For 55 days, time stood still. Cohen was starving and at the mercy of terrorists, and then she found her calling. Her inner strength.
She was held captive with a frightened 16-year-old girl, so Cohen pushed aside her own fears and pain and made it her mission to care for the teenager.
“And from the moment I decided to take on that responsibility, I felt so strong,” she said. “That I could take any bad moment and turn it into a fun moment.”
After hiding in a house for a month, they were told they were going to the dreaded tunnels. The young girl panicked, and Cohen responded with humor.
“I told her we are in Gaza. We have to see the main attraction of Gaza,” she said.
The 30-year-old survivor was visiting her boyfriend’s family on October 7 when the nightmare broke through security.
Her friend Sascha is still in captivity. His father was killed.
“Every day I say three things. The first is my prayer. Second, I thank you, God, for sending me to this place. I feel all the strength you gave me. I know how to use it to protect myself and this girl. And lastly, I thank you, God, for all the angels you sent me to this hell,” Cohen said.
When Sapir was released, she stayed in her room and cried. Now she travels the world sharing her personal message of hope.
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