# Weddings of former Hamas hostages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/weddings-of-former-hamas-hostages
> Updated: 2026-08-31T15:35:37.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Recent reports highlight the personal lives and weddings of former hostages released from Hamas captivity.

Eliya Cohen, who was held for 505 days following the October 7, 2023, attack on the Nova Music Festival, married his partner Ziv Abud at Ronit Farm in Israel. The wedding was attended by approximately 1,000 guests and featured a performance by singer-songwriter Amir Benayoun. The couple was separated during the initial attack; while Cohen was abducted and endured torture and deprivation in Gaza, Abud survived by hiding in a roadside shelter. Following their reunion, the couple completed a joint book titled ‘Ayesha – Building a Home Together From the Ruins’, which combines Abud’s efforts to secure Cohen’s release with Cohen’s memories of captivity.

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli survivor held for over 15 months, married Danielle Amit in a ceremony in Tel Aviv. Damari, who sustained injuries including the loss of two fingers during her abduction, was released as part of a temporary ceasefire deal. The wedding was attended by family, friends, and several fellow former hostages. The couple exchanged vows beneath a Chuppah wearing bespoke outfits designed by Oria Azran, and Damari’s mother, Mandy, spoke at the event regarding her daughter’s 471 days in captivity.

## Claims

- Emily Damari married partner Danielle Amit in a ceremony in Tel Aviv. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Damari was held in Hamas captivity for more than 15 months following her abduction on 7 October 2023. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Damari lost two fingers after being shot in the hand and leg during the initial attack. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The wedding was attended by several former hostages, including Romi Gonen and Omer Shem Tov. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The couple's wedding attire was designed by Israeli fashion designer Oria Azran. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud marry after hostage release

Former hostage Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud have married and completed a joint book following Cohen’s release after 505 days in Hamas captivity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eliya-cohen-and-ziv-abud-marry-after-hostage-release

### 2026-08-27: Emily Damari, former Hamas hostage, marries in Tel Aviv

Former British-Israeli Hamas hostage Emily Damari married partner Danielle Amit in a Tel Aviv ceremony, attended by fellow hostage survivors.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emily-damari-former-hamas-hostage-marries-in-tel-aviv

### 2026-08-20: Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud marry following Hamas captivity

Former Hamas hostage Eliya Cohen and survivor Ziv Abud married in Israel following Cohen's release after 505 days in captivity.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eliya-cohen-and-ziv-abud-marry-after-surviving-october-7-attacks

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Cite as: Weddings of former Hamas hostages. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/weddings-of-former-hamas-hostages