‘Eretz Nehederet’ cast and Hanan Ben Ari sing for hostage Alon Ohel
The singer plays a yellow piano, symbolizing the struggle to free the hostages held in Gaza, and dedicates a song to the budding pianist
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Singer and performer Hanan Ben Ari recently joined the cast of satirical comedy show “Eretz Nehederet” to sing a song for hostage Alon Ohel, one of the remaining captives in Gaza and a budding pianist.
It was a somber moment for the cast, as it was recently revealed by freed hostages that Ohel, who just turned 24, is being held starving in chains in a Hamas tunnel and has multiple untreated injuries.
Ben Ari played his song, “Sun,” on a yellow piano — the color of the hostage ribbons — part of an Ohel family project to remind people of the hostages and Ohel’s piano skills.
Ohel was scheduled to continue his musical studies at the Rimon School of Music in Tel Aviv, with a focus on jazz.
Until recently, Ohel was held with Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen. Sharabi and Levy were released on February 8, and Cohen on February 23.
When Sharabi and Levy were released, they provided the first signs of life of Ohel. Sharabi said in an interview that while in captivity, Ohel would sometimes place his hands on his chest, playing his fingers in the air.
“Sun” by Hanan Ben Ari
For years I am not teary-eyed
For years, without a reason
I find myself longing
Seeking an answer
See me, give me Your hand
I am one who’s willing to change
Come and light up my days
With a beautiful, hidden light for almost a million generations
And then I shall be like a sun to the world
I shall be like a bird, wandering across space
You, You shall be my King forevermore
I thank Thee for the path You’ve sworn unto me
And now, when there’s some light in the room
And now, that I have You
I suddenly cry and pray
Fearing that You will forget
