UJA Young Leaders October 7 Commemoration: Eliya Cohen’s Story of Survival

Monday, October 5, 2026

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Manhattan

Former hostage Eliya Cohen’s story is one of unimaginable hardship and enduring hope.

At UJA Young Leaders’ October 7 commemoration, Eliya will share his firsthand account of being kidnapped from the Nova music festival, his captivity in Gaza, and the courage that carried him through those 505 days. Together, we’ll remember and reflect on those whose lives were forever changed and recognize the resilience of Israel as the country continues to heal and rebuild.

You’ll also learn more about UJA’s vital work in Israel, including the UJA New York Beit Nova, a center for healing outside Netanya for Nova festival survivors, wounded soldiers, adults with disabilities, and more.

UJA Young Leaders programs are geared toward those in their 20s and 30s who want to make an impact.

Dietary laws observed.

About the Chai Project Committe

The Chai Project Committee creates meaningful programs that strengthen Jewish life, honor our heritage, and address the challenges facing the Jewish community today. We are committed to remembering the Holocaust, standing against antisemitism, and celebrating Israel’s strength and resilience. This committee welcomes those who give a gift of $1,000 or more to UJA’s annual campaign.

Featuring

Eliya Cohen

October 7 Survivor, Former Hostage, Author, and International Speaker

Eliya Cohen is a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, a former hostage, author, and international speaker. Abducted from the Nova music festival after surviving the massacre inside what became known as the “Shelter of Death,” Eliya was taken hostage into Gaza, where he endured 505 days in brutal captivity.

For much of that time, Eliya was held deep underground in Hamas tunnels, chained and subjected to severe starvation, physical and psychological abuse, isolation, and other inhumane conditions. Despite the darkness and uncertainty of captivity, he held fiercely to his faith, his will to survive, and the hope that he would one day return home.

Following...

UJA Young Leaders Leadership

Chairs

Joshua Arcus • Jami Moore

Chai Project Chairs

Bella Adler • Matthew Stern

Chairs

Chai Project Chairs

Joshua Arcus • Jami Moore

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Alexa Gold

212.836.1662