Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Friends and family mark hostage Nimrod Cohen's 21st birthday in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, including (L-R) Nimrod’s twin sister, Romi; his brother Yotam; father Yehuda; mother Viki; former hostage Gadi Mozes; Dani Elgarat, brother of murdered hostage Itzik Elgarat; Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker; and former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky, July 17, 2025. (Alon Gilboa)
Hostage Nimrod Cohen’s 21st birthday is marked at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, as Cohen’s family, friends, and supporters write messages on a communal mural of Nimrod, who is marking a second birthday in captivity.
“Nimrod, my beloved child, I give thanks every day that you are my son,” says his mother, Viki Cohen. “I want you to know that I am proud of you: of who you are, of your sensitivity, your wisdom, your gentle and special personality, your inner peace, and your extraordinary humility.”
Supporters write messages of hope on Wall of Hope created by graffiti artist Tania Dodescu, featuring hostage Nimrod Cohen on his 21st birthday, in Tel Aviv, July 17, 2025. (Alon Gilboa)
Cohen calls on elected officials to bring her son home to freedom.
“For this to happen, the time has come to end this war and bring my beloved child and all the hostages home,” says Cohen. “I am waiting for you to come back so I can embrace you and tell you that I love you and that you are not alone.”
Artist Shoshke Engelmayer holds his illustration of hostage Nimrod Cohen at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Nimrod’s 21st birthday, July 17, 2025. (Alon Gilboa)
Family and friends have also marked Nimrod’s birthday in his hometown of Rehovot, where local restaurants featured Nimrod’s favorite foods, including pizza, spaghetti, hamburgers, French fries, chicken schnitzel, mocha and pistachio ice cream flavors and his favorite cake, a traditional Israeli biscuit and cream cake, says Viki Cohen.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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