Released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen performed with singer-songwriter Idan Raichel as part of last week’s Memorial Day events in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.

Dekel-Chen sang Shalom Hanoch’s song “Children of Life,” accompanied by Raichel on piano.

The former hostage, who was released in February during the since-collapsed ceasefire deal, added the following thoughts during the song:

“I’m here in the name of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a kibbutz of tears. We lost 53 friends, we’re held by hope, friendship, unity, love and we live through the disaster. The skies, the sea, and the trees are left beautiful only in our imagination.”

“A week ago, I returned to Nir Oz for the first time, and at the entrance to the kibbutz, I saw........

© The Times of Israel