Amidst Reports On Hostage Deal, 2 Ex-Hostages Raise Awareness In West Palm Beach Fundraiser At New Kosher Restaurant Grand Opening

Michelin Star Chef Eyal Shani held the grand opening of his brand-new Malka Kosher Restaurant in West Palm Beach on Sunday, in collaboration with the La’Aretz Foundation.

The former hostages discussed the harsh conditions in which Hamas terrorists kept them in for eight months, along with the vitality of an imminent hostage deal. The two were kidnapped during the Nova Music Festival and spent eight months in captivity in Gaza until they were rescued by the IDF in June. Jan was attending the festival with friends, while Kozlov was a volunteer security guard.

“We felt it was vital for the residents of South Florida to hear what the hostages experienced and are still currently experiencing,” La’Aretz Foundation Founder Shelly Pitman said. “We are thankful to Chef Eyal Shani, who graciously hosted the La’Aretz community once again. This outstanding community understands how critical each day is for the remaining hostages, and we must bring them home now.”

In an emotional discussion with Netflix Star Maya Vander of “Selling Sunset,” Jan and Kozlov detailed the physical and psychological trauma they endured while in captivity. The audience was silent as the two explained in excruciating detail what October 7th was like for them and in the days and months after, along with the moment IDF soldiers came to rescue them.

“In order to build the country, people immigrated – made Aliyah to Israel from across the world – basically drying swamps and building the country. This is what La’Aretz is doing now. It is the equivalent of the drying swamps of 100 years ago,” Ambassador Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami, said. “La’Aretz is the modern Zionism – to develop a great education system and support soldiers and reservists in need. Of course, rebuild the communities in the north and the south and help the internally displaced people from the north and south. The way this community has rallied together, has come together to support our people and the State of Israel is just unimaginable.”

An IDF soldier who serves in a classified role and is also a singer who has captured the hearts of Israelis since October 7th. “M,” as he is known, performed several songs with his face covered to protect his identity in his American debut.

While cherishing the all-new Floridian menu created by the Michelin Star Chef, guests supported the La’Aretz Foundation, which provides direct assistance to Israelis in need.

The La’Aretz Foundation and its vibrant community of over 2,000 members has provided direct financial support for 300-plus Israeli families who have been impacted by October 7th, along with scholarships to 172 students serving in the reserves, and assisted 70 Aliyah applicants return to Israel.

About The La’Aretz Foundation:

The La’Aretz Foundation strengthens Israel through direct support by focusing on three fundamental areas. In times of need, La’Aretz provides timely financial aid to families in distress who lack government support, offers scholarships to ensure equal educational opportunities, and facilitates the integration of new Olim to make them feel at home.

Photo: La'Aretz_A: Almog Meir Jan (right) speaks about his eight months in captivity in Gaza with fellow ex-hostage Andrey Kozlov (middle) in a discussion with Maya Vander during the La'Aretz Foundation's fundraiser at Malka Restaurant in West Palm Beach. Photo credit: Shay Cohen