An 85-year-old Israeli grandmother, who has spoken of surviving the 'hell' of her kidnapping by Hamas terrorists by singing the songs of Andera Bocelli in her head, was left speechless after receiving a letter from the famous Italian tenor inviting her to one of his shows.
The video of Jaffa Adar, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, went viral in the days following the deadly attack after the elderly woman was seen being taken by her captors in her own golf cart.
In the aftermath of her ordeal, Adar told Israel's Channel 12: 'Every morning I would sing Bocelli to myself and say, 'God, maybe this will bring a good day. [my release].'
Now that story has reached Andrea Bocelli himself, who has written a letter to the released hostage and personally invited her to fly her out for a show or private concert.
In a video Hen Mazzig posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, her granddaughter reads the heartfelt letter to a stunned Adar.
Jaffa Adar, an 85-year-old Israeli grandmother, who has spoken of surviving the “hell” of her kidnapping by Hamas terrorists by singing the songs of Andera Bocelli in her head, was left speechless after receiving a letter from the famous Italian tenor
In a video posted by Hen Mazzig on X, her granddaughter reads the heartfelt letter to a stunned Adar
Andrea Bocelli has written to the released hostage and invited her to fly out for a private concert
Bocelli wrote in his letter to Adar: “There is no distinction, no applause, no honor or recognition worth as much as your words, which I assure you I will never forget.”
“Dearest Mrs. Jaffa Adar,” he writes.
'I wish I could give you a hug! I would like to thank you for the emotion your story evoked in all the people who had the privilege of listening to it, and especially in me, because incredibly, I am part of it!'
“I truly never imagined that my humble voice, this great gift I undeservedly received from heaven, could one day prove so important!”
“There is no award, no applause, no honor or recognition worth as much as your words, which I assure you I will never forget.”
“Thanks to you, from now on I will sing with renewed enthusiasm, with renewed faith, with new energy.”
“I hope to meet you one day and sing especially for you, whatever you want, to erase as much as possible the painful memory of terrible days, which I cannot even imagine.
'I have great admiration for your courage, which is an example to us all. From the other side of the ocean I send you my warmest regards, full of gratitude, admiration and affection.'
Bocelli was moved by Adar's admission that she had sung his songs in her head while held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 49 days, and wrote her a letter in response.
Video of Jaffa Adar, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, went viral in the days following the deadly attack after showing the elderly woman being taken by her captors in her own golf cart
A clearly emotional Adar clutches the letter to her chest and exclaims, “Wow! Wow! Wow! What an honor! Andrea Bocelli!'
She adds, “This is the highlight of my life.
'It's an honor for me. Wow! I am honestly so moved. How wonderful, how incredible. Who would believe that I would have a letter from Andre Bocelli in my hand?'
The video shakes her head in disbelief and ends with Adar smiling and kissing the letter.
Just last week, Adar appeared in a video along with three other released hostages, calling for the release of the rest of the more than 100 prisoners.
Just last week, Adar appeared in a video along with three other released hostages, calling for the release of the rest of the more than 100 prisoners.
Adar, along with Danielle Aloni, 45, Ditza Heiman, 84, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, gave their testimony before The Missing Families and Hostages Forum, a campaign group formed in Israel because 136 hostages remain trapped in Gaza.
The harrowing stories of torture and starvation in the vast 'spider web' of tunnels under Gaza were broadcast last week during a rally in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square.
The 85-year-old Adar, who was held for 49 days, reported on November 24.
Her grandson Tamir Adar, 38, married and the father of two children, is still being held hostage.
“I spent 49 days in that hell,” she said.
It is not clear what physical injuries she suffered, but in the video Adar had a bandage on her left arm.
Back in her arms: Yaffa Adar with her granddaughter Adva, pictured in 2021
She spoke deliberately: “I ask and beg all decision makers to get the children out. Take them all out.”
'Free the children now! I want to see them now!' she said. “Not if I'm going to be in a coffin.”
Prior to her release, her granddaughter Adva appealed for her return and announced it she relied on medication and would likely have been in “a lot of pain.”
She told Sky News on October 9: 'We saw the videos of men with guns taking her to Gaza. I can't even imagine how scared she is.'
She added: “The situation may be difficult, but there is no reason for elderly women, children and babies to be kidnapped.”