'Afraid not to return' | Sagui Dekel Chen performed before 3,000 people at Kibbutz Nir Oz as part of the Israel Festival. On the surface, the evening offered a simple story with a happy ending. The reality is far more complex

The former hostage composed and memorized nine songs during 498 days in captivity, then performed them before 3,000 people in Nir Oz, including deeply personal pieces inspired by…

The Israel Festival event, titled “From Captivity to the Lawn: Stories and Songs,” drew 3,000 attendees, including bereaved families and other former captives.