Singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, known as Five for Fighting, will perform his hit song “Superman” with freed Israeli hostage and pianist Alon Ohel on the USS Nimitz this Independence Day.
The performance will be part of the Freedom 250 celebrations.
Coordinated with the U.S. Navy, the event will honor American sailors, 9/11 heroes, first responders, and Gold Star families during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Ohel's participation marks a remarkable full-circle moment, as he goes from being held captive by Hamas terrorists to taking part in a stirring salute to American freedom.
I'm pleased to announce Alon Ohel will be accompanying me on piano for our performance of "Superman" this Independence Day on the USS Nimitz as part of the International Naval Review 250 celebrating and saluting our incredible @USNavy! 🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/3ghNt7zt4A
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) June 29, 2026
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In his original announcement, Ondrasik stated he was “honored to perform" the hit song on the Nimitz for the Independence Day event. It will be part of the International Naval Review marking America’s semiquincentennial.
What an honor for the California native.
This Independence Day, in coordination with the @USNavy, I am honored to perform my song "Superman" on the historic #USSNIMITZ for #Freedom250 to recognize and salute our Sailors, 9-11 heroes, @FDNY, NYPD, Gold Star families and all US Military. ❤️
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) June 25, 2026
God Bless our America! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jTJKi4jPQv
Ohel was just 24 when Hamas terrorists snatched him from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, as he tried to run from the chaos. He then spent more than two years in brutal captivity inside Gaza, dealing with starvation, badly treated wounds, and terrible hardship until he was finally released.
In April of last year, Ondrasik released a reimagined version of his hit “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” to raise awareness for Israeli hostages still held by Hamas at the time.
That version, created in collaboration with the family of Ohel—including his mother Idit and brother Ronen—featured a key lyric change to “Find a way to Fly – To a home I will soon see.”
The change helped shift the song's focus to hope for the hostages’ safe return. Ondrasik was inspired by his visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where he performed on Alon’s piano, and by a childhood photo of the young pianist dressed as the comic book hero.
I am Honored to collaborate with current hostage Alon Ohel’s mother Idit, brother Ronen, family and friends with this new version of “Superman” to support Alon, all the hostages, and their families.
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) April 14, 2025
May they all “Find a way to Fly - To a home I will soon see” 🎗️🧡 🇺🇸🇮🇱… pic.twitter.com/MymL79U3ZG
Ohel was released on October 13th of that year, 737 days after his capture.
Ondrasik has been an unapologetic supporter of Israel and played a key role in raising awareness about the plight of the many hostages. He also released the song "OK," a poignant protest ballad that condemns the moral relativism and antisemitism following Hamas's attack on Israel, while blasting protesters in America who support the terrorist group.
Ondrasik is a platinum-selling pop-rock pianist best known for his introspective songs, including the 2001 breakthrough “Superman,” the 2003 smash hit “100 Years,” and “The Riddle” in 2006. Not to mention this author's personal favorite, "Chances" in 2009.
"Superman" became an anthem honoring the heroes after the September 11 attacks.
His work has earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, multiple Adult Contemporary chart successes, and over two decades of moving songs that have become staples at weddings, graduations, and now, birthdays.
National birthdays.
Ondrasik and Ohel will stand together on the deck of the USS Nimitz for America's 250th and deliver a powerful reminder that true resilience and freedom always "find a way to fly."
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