Five for Fighting’s iconic song “Superman” has been reimagined as a powerful tribute to Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, as musician John Ondrasik joins forces with the captive’s family to spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
At a Glance
- John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) has reworked his post-9/11 anthem “Superman” to honor Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack
- The song particularly focuses on 24-year-old Alon Ohel, who was abducted from the Nova music festival and has now spent two birthdays in captivity
- Ondrasik was inspired by a childhood photo of Alon wearing Superman pajamas
- The musician performed the tribute at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv with Alon’s brother playing piano
- Approximately 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive
From 9/11 Anthem to Israeli Hostage Tribute
John Ondrasik, known professionally as Five for Fighting, has revitalized his hit song “Superman” with new meaning and purpose in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. The song, which became an anthem of resilience after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, now serves as a tribute to Israeli hostages captured during the Nova music festival attack – particularly 24-year-old Alon Ohel, who remains in captivity in Gaza.
The reimagined version draws poignant parallels between America’s 9/11 and Israel’s October 7 attack. Ondrasik explained his motivation for selecting this particular song for the tribute, highlighting the symbolic connection between these traumatic events that shaped both nations.
“It became very clear that ‘Superman’ should be the song. With the history of 9/11, and the fact that, for Israel, October 7 is their 9/11,” said John Ondrasik.
The Story Behind Alon’s Tribute
Ondrasik’s inspiration for the tribute came from a childhood photograph of Alon Ohel wearing Superman pajamas. This personal connection transformed the song into something deeply meaningful for Alon’s family.
The musician collaborated with Alon’s mother, Idit Ohel, to create both the new version and its accompanying music video. During his captivity, Alon has been injured with shrapnel in his eye and reportedly has not received medical treatment. He has now spent two birthdays as a hostage.
Alon’s passion for piano gives the tribute additional significance for his family. During a performance at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, Ondrasik performed “Superman” while Alon’s brother played piano. The musician has expressed his hope to perform the song alongside Alon himself once he is safely released from captivity.
A Journey of Solidarity
Ondrasik recently visited Israel for the first time, meeting with hostage families, first responders, and soldiers. Beyond the “Superman” tribute, he also wrote a song titled “OK” honoring Israeli resilience following the October 7 Hamas attack. His time in Israel included performing at a rally in Tel Aviv advocating for the release of 133 hostages – a performance that coincided with a missile alert from Iran, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
During his visit, Ondrasik met notable figures including Natan Sharansky and collaborated with Israeli artists. He has drawn comparisons between his post-9/11 concert in New York and his recent performance in Israel, noting the similar emotional impact. Ondrasik is now actively using his platform and media presence to raise awareness about the hostages and generate support for Israel during this crisis.
The Human Cost Continues
The reimagined “Superman” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict. According to reports, approximately 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive. Through music, Ondrasik aims to keep international attention on these victims and their families, using cultural diplomacy to advocate for their release and return to their loved ones.
For the families of hostages like Alon Ohel, these artistic tributes provide both comfort and a vital platform to keep their stories in the public consciousness. As the crisis continues, Ondrasik’s reimagined “Superman” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite people across borders in the face of tragedy and inspire action toward resolution.
