Two former hostages who were held in captivity in the Gaza Strip for nearly a year after being kidnapped at the Nova music festival in Israel arrived in West Palm Beach on Dec. 15 to meet with the local community and share their stories. Amid reports of negotiations to release the remaining hostages, Almog Meir Jan and Andrey Kozlov are determined to raise awareness for the issue.
Michelin star chef Eyal Shani held the grand opening of his brand-new Malka kosher restaurant in West Palm Beach on Sunday in collaboration with La’Aretz Foundation.
The former hostages discussed the harsh conditions in which Hamas terrorists kept them for eight months, along with the vitality of an imminent hostage deal. The two were kidnapped during the Nova music festival in southern Israel near the Gaza border and spent eight months in captivity until they were rescued in June by the Israel Defense Forces. Jan attended the festival with friends; Kozlov served as a volunteer security guard.
“We felt it was vital for the residents of South Florida to hear what the hostages experienced and are still currently experiencing,” said La’Aretz Foundation founder Shelly Pitman. “We are thankful to Chef Eyal Shani, who graciously hosted the La’Aretz community once again. This outstanding community understands how critical each day is for the remaining hostages, and we must bring them home now.”
In an emotional discussion with Netflix star Maya Vander of “Selling Sunset,” Jan and Kozlov detailed the physical and psychological trauma they endured while in captivity. The audience was silent as the two explained in excruciating detail what Oct. 7, 2023, was like for them, as well as the days and months afterwards, along with the moment IDF soldiers came to rescue them.
“In order to build the country, people immigrated—made aliyah to Israel from across the world—drying swamps and building the country. This is what La’Aretz is doing now. It is the equivalent of the drying swamps of 100 years ago,” said Ambassador Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, consul general of Israel in Miami. “La’Aretz is the modern Zionism—to develop a great education system and to support soldiers and reservists in need. Of course, to rebuild the communities in the north and the south and help the internally displaced people from the north and south. The way this community has rallied together—has come together to support our people and the State of Israel—is just unimaginable.”
An IDF soldier who serves in a classified role and is also a singer who has captured the hearts of Israelis since Oct. 7. “M,” as he is known, performed several songs with his face covered to protect his identity in his American debut.
While cherishing the all-new Floridian menu created by the Michelin star chef, guests supported La’Aretz Foundation, which provides direct assistance to Israelis in need.
La’Aretz Foundation and its vibrant community of more than 2,000 members have provided direct financial support for 300-plus Israeli families who have been impacted by Oct. 7, along with scholarships to 172 students serving in the reserves, and assisted 70 aliyah applicants in returning to Israel.
ABOUT LA’ARETZ FOUNDATION:
La’Aretz Foundation strengthens Israel through direct support by focusing on three fundamental areas. In times of need, La’Aretz provides timely financial aid to families in distress who lack government support, offers scholarships to ensure equal educational opportunities, and facilitates the integration of new Olim to make them feel at home.