Full Breakdown
The Healing Power of Music: Former Hostages Share Their Stories on Kan 88
4/5/2026, 8:46:17 PM
The Role of Music in Captivity
Many former hostages from Gaza have recounted how music provided them with strength during their harrowing experiences. Pianist Alon Ohel often hummed melodies such as Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Yehudit Ravitz’s “Song Without a Name,” which took on new significance in the dark tunnels of captivity. Sagui Dekel-Chen shared that he mentally played love songs, including “Keren Shemesh” (Sunbeam), a favorite of his young daughter.
In a poignant initiative, radio station Kan 88 is hosting a special Passover series titled “Free Choice,” curated and presented by former hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Amit Soussana, and Yarden Bibas. Each ex-captive will host three one-hour evening programs, featuring songs that held deep meaning for them before and during their captivity.
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
Yarden Bibas, who was abducted separately from his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, emphasized the importance of music in his life. Tragically, his family was murdered in captivity, and Bibas buried them in February 2025 at the Kibbutz Nir Oz cemetery, accompanied by heavy-metal ballads that resonated with their shared life. He stated, “Music has always accompanied me; it was a refuge and comfort for me, and a way to express myself and my emotions when I couldn’t find the words.”
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was taken from the Nova desert rave and released in October 2025, also expressed the significance of music during his ordeal. He noted that when he learned of the release of fellow hostages Omer Wenkert and Tal Shoham, he requested them to convey songs to his family, assigning one song for each loved one.
Upcoming Broadcasts on Kan 88
The series on Kan 88 will feature various programs, including one hosted by Amit Soussana, a lawyer who bravely resisted her captors during her abduction from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Soussana's program is scheduled for April 6 at 8 p.m., while Gilboa-Dalal will appear on April 5 at 8 p.m., and Bibas will host his segment on April 6 at 9 p.m.
Conclusion
The initiative by Kan 88 not only highlights the personal stories of resilience among former hostages but also underscores the profound impact of music as a source of strength and comfort during times of unimaginable hardship. Through their shared experiences and the songs that accompanied them, these individuals aim to connect with listeners and convey the enduring power of music in the face of adversity.
