Former hostage Alon Ohel performs song to honor Oct. 7 victims at New York Fourth of July event

Freed Israeli hostage Alon Ohel marked the US Independence Day celebration on July 4 by performing aboard the USS Nimitz in New York Harbor. Ohel, a pianist who endured 737 days in Hamas captivity, joined musician John Ondrasik, known as Five for Fighting, to play "Superman."

Ondrasik re-recorded his hit song with lyrics honoring hostages taken by Hamas. The performance took place before an audience including senior military personnel and the US ambassador to the United Nations. The song's lyrics, "Even heroes have the right to bleed," resonated with the event's theme.

Ohel, who was severely injured during his abduction on October 7, 2023, and released on October 13, 2025, faced a near-miss with US immigration upon arrival. He was initially listed in government systems as a hostage, requiring clarification with the Israeli consulate. This echoes a similar security issue faced by another freed hostage, Liri Albag, in New York.

During his captivity, Ohel's family launched a campaign with the slogan "Alon You Are Not Alone." He underwent surgeries for untreated injuries, including to his eye, and spent much of his time chained in a tunnel. He has since performed at fundraising concerts for his rehabilitation, dedicating a song to a fellow former hostage with whom he shared a strong bond in captivity.

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Even heroes have the right to bleed