Who is Nimrod Cohen? The 19-Year-Old IDF Soldier Who Was Freed After Two Years in Hamas Captivity

After two years of silence, fear, and unanswered questions, IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen is finally home. The 19-year-old, who was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, was among 20 hostages freed today as part of the latest ceasefire and exchange deal brokered by Egypt and the United States.

Nimrod was captured from a burning tank near Kibbutz Nir Im, along with his slain comrades Omer Neutra, Oz Daniel, and Shaked Dahan. For two years, his parents, Yehuda and Vicki Cohen, pleaded for information - unsure if their son was even alive.

According to testimonies from previously released captives, Nimrod endured torture and psychological abuse during his time in Hamas custody. He was reportedly kept in a cage, interrogated about his IDF service, and shown videos of his fallen friends.

In February, he managed to send a brief message through another hostage: "I am okay. Don't worry, I love you."

When the family finally received word of his inclusion in today's exchange, they described it as "the longest breath we've taken in two years."

Nimrod's father told CBS News that his son is expected to need intensive physical and psychological rehabilitation, suffering from skin disease, infections, and trauma.

Cohen's release comes amid renewed efforts under the Trump administration's "Peace Plan 2.0," which seeks phased ceasefires and international oversight in Gaza.

For Israel, his return is both a triumph and a tragedy - a symbol of endurance, sacrifice, and the unending scars of war.