Pop Star Honors Freed Hostage and his Wife in Emotional Tribute

“This hero is here with us tonight, with his wife — the true warrior,” Golan said. He dedicated the song “Lohemet” to Rivka, bringing the couple to tears amid roaring applause.

By United with Israel Staff

During his Saturday night concert at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, Israeli pop star Eyal Golan created a deeply moving moment when he publicly acknowledged freed hostage Elkana Bohbot and his wife, Rivka, who were sitting in the audience.

Spotting the couple, Golan addressed Elkana from the stage, celebrating his return to Israel after surviving more than two years in Hamas captivity. He told the audience, “This hero is here with us tonight, together with his wife — the true warrior.”

Moments later, he dedicated the song Lohemet (“Fighter”) to Rivka, a touching tribute that brought the couple to tears as the audience erupted in applause.

Throughout the concert, Golan also performed several songs centered on faith, perseverance, and trust in God, creating an atmosphere of spiritual strength and hope for all those present.

 

Elkana, 35, from Mevaseret Zion near Jerusalem, was abducted during the Supernova music festival in Re’im on October 7, 2023. At the time, he was part of the festival’s production team, helping treat and evacuate the wounded during the Hamas attack. He and Rivka have a four-year-old son.

This touching tribute is not the first time Golan has shown support for the Bohbot family. Shortly after Elkana’s return to Israel, the singer visited him in the hospital, embraced him, and praised his remarkable story of survival.

Elkana’s return to Mevaseret Zion was met with celebrations as neighbors filled the streets waving Israeli flags and expressing gratitude. For the Bohbots and the wider public, Golan’s concert was not just entertainment, but a public affirmation of hope, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.