Staff Reports
In a world often divided by conflict and uncertainty, one American artist is using his platform to bring hope and attention to a crisis that too many have forgotten: the hostages still held by Hamas since the October 7th attacks in Israel. John Ondrasik, best known as the voice behind Five for Fighting, has stepped up with a moving musical tribute that not only honors the victims and their families but also calls on the world to remember those left behind. His latest adaptation of “Superman”—the anthem that once lifted America after 9/11—now serves as a rallying cry for the release of innocent hostages, including 24-year-old Alon Ohel and dozens of others.
Ondrasik’s journey began after hearing the heartbreaking stories of the hostages and their families, many of whom have endured over seventeen months of unimaginable torment. Inspired by a photo of Alon Ohel in Superman pajamas, Ondrasik collaborated with the Ohel family to rewrite the song’s lyrics, transforming a line about a home never seen into a message of hope: “Find a way to fly to a home I will soon see.” This simple change captures the spirit of resilience that has defined both the hostages and their loved ones, even as the world’s attention drifts elsewhere.
The music video, filmed in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, is more than just a performance—it’s a statement of solidarity. Surrounded by families and friends of the hostages, Ondrasik’s heartfelt rendition underscores the need for unity and action. He’s not just singing for Israel; he’s reminding Americans and the world that the fight for freedom and justice is universal. In a time when so many celebrities and cultural leaders remain silent, Ondrasik’s willingness to stand with Israel and the hostage families is a powerful example of moral clarity and courage.
While the mainstream media and international organizations often focus on political negotiations and ceasefire proposals, Ondrasik’s effort brings the human cost of inaction to the forefront. The reality is that these hostages have spent birthdays and holidays in captivity, their families left in agonizing limbo. It’s a stark reminder that the humanitarian crisis in Israel is not just about politics—it’s about real people whose lives hang in the balance. Americans, who once rallied around yellow ribbons during the Iranian hostage crisis, should once again unite in demanding the safe return of these innocent souls.
Ondrasik’s initiative proves that art can be a beacon of hope in even the darkest times. By reviving the spirit of “Superman” and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the families of the hostages, he’s calling on all of us to keep the conversation alive and to never forget those who are suffering. As negotiations drag on and the world’s attention shifts, it’s up to everyday citizens—bolstered by voices like Ondrasik’s—to demand justice, support Israel’s right to defend itself, and pray for the safe return of every hostage.
