After 477 days in Hamas captivity, and with a song she co-wrote already performed by Eden Ben Zaken, former Nahal Oz lookout Daniella Gilboa has signed with Acum (a non-profit corporation that administers the copyrights of authors, composers and music publishers in Israel), allowing her to collect royalties for her music. “For me, creating music is medicine,” Gilboa said.
Just seven months ago, she was still held captive in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. Now, the 20-year-old survivor is officially recognized as an Israeli songwriter enlisted in Acum.
It marks a major milestone for Gilboa, who was kidnapped at age 19 from her post in Nahal Oz and was held in captivity for 477 days along with fellow lookouts Agam Berger, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev and Naama Levy.
“Making music has always been healing for me,” Gilboa shared. “And now that I’m released, I’m so happy to take another important step in my musical journey, which constitutes such a meaningful part of my life."
In October 2024, marking one year since the Gaza war began, Eden Ben Zaken recorded "Ulay Tipatach HaDelet" ("Maybe the Door Will Open") as part of a project by IDF Radio (Galei Tzahal) and Galgalatz.
The song was written and composed by Gilboa together with her lookout unit friends Yam Glass z"l and Aviv Hajaj z"l, who were killed in Nahal Oz on October 7.
While Gilboa was still in captivity, a video of her performing the song surfaced and was widely shared in Israel and abroad. Now she will be entitled to royalties for its broadcasts, along with any future works she creates.
Gilboa arrived at Acum’s offices with her mother, Orly, who had campaigned tirelessly for her release from captivity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Daniella Gilboa, who survived the horrors in Gaza alongside her heroic fellow lookouts,” said Acum CEO Assaf Nahuom.
“Daniella is beginning a new path as a creator. Acum, which protects the rights of thousands of Israeli artists, is proud to have her join, and we look forward to hearing her future work. We wish her success and continue to pray for the return of all the hostages."