John Ondrasik, the songwriter and pianist known for blending pop-rock with emotional storytelling, has released a new version of his hit single “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” to draw attention to Israeli hostages still held by Hamas since the October 7th terrorist attacks.
The brand-new release is a collaboration with current hostage Alon Ohel’s mother, Idit, and his brother, Ronen, along with additional family and friends.
This version changes a lyric in the certified Gold song to “Find a way to Fly – To a home I will soon see.”
In doing so, “Superman” transforms from a song about a hero experiencing human struggles to one of hope for the men and women still in captivity, achieving their own heroism by surviving unspeakable conditions and returning home soon.
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.
May they all “Find a way to Fly – To a home I will soon see” 🎗️🧡 🇺🇸🇮🇱… pic.twitter.com/MymL79U3ZG
— John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) April 14, 2025
Ondrasik spoke with RedState about the collaboration, explaining what inspired him to reimagine “Superman” specifically for Ohel and the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Ohel is a 24-year-old Israeli pianist and musician, abducted by Hamas from the Nova music festival on October 7th and is currently being held in dire conditions in Gaza. He is facing severe injuries and starvation.
The music connection, along with one particular image of a young Ohel dressed as Superman, helped inspire the Grammy-nominated star.
“Alon’s mom, Idit, and her team reached out to me looking to do a musical collaboration to support her son and the hostages,” Ondrasik explains. “I was honored to do so and it became very clear that ‘Superman’ should be the song as I had played the song in Hostage Square last year on Alon’s piano.”
“When we saw a picture of Alon in his Superman jammies, I think we all went to another level of heartbreak.”
That image of a six-year-old Ohel dressed as Clark Kent ripping his suit open to reveal the iconic ‘S’ symbol can be seen in the above video at the conclusion of the song.
Five for Fighting’s ‘OK’ a Chilling, Powerful Reminder of the Horror of Hamas’ Attack on Israel
Ondrasik, who has been an unapologetic supporter of Israel and the hostages, performed in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square in April of 2024. The performance helped open his eyes to the plight of those suffering in horrific conditions for far too long.
“When I went to Israel, part of our mission was to meet with hostage families. I brought my son and spoke with many families who had children his age in captivity,” he said. “I kept imagining myself in their position and thinking of the unbearable burden they suffer every day.
“The spiritual strength and resilience of the hostage families is truly superhuman, and I was honored to hug them and perform for them that night at hostage square.”
Reality quickly struck with that performance, as just hours later, Iran launched missiles and drones into Israeli airspace, putting the country on high alert.
“A few hours later, Iran attacked, and I experienced the fear and trauma of what Jews face daily,” Ondrasik recalled. “Thank goodness for that iron dome.”
I’d like to see Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen — those proud New Jersey rockers— do a song for Edan Alexander, the 20 yr old from Tenafly, NJ who has been held hostage by Hamas for a year and a half. Why is it only John Ondrasik that is standing up?
— Benvenuto Cellini (@ciaobenvenuto) April 16, 2025
Shortly thereafter, Ondrosik released the song “OK,” a poignant protest ballad that condemns the moral relativism and antisemitism following Hamas’s attack on Israel and blasts protesters in America supporting the terrorist group.
The official video for “OK,” seen below, contains a warning regarding sensitive content, which we reiterate for our readers.
Ondrasik said the experience of collaborating with Ohel’s family has only strengthened his resolve in supporting hostages still remarkably being held by Hamas to this day.
“It only deepens my commitment to support the hostages, their families, and Jewish people around the world,” he said. “It is an outrage of humanity that there are still 59 hostages held in Gaza on day 557.”
“I know we all hope and pray they will be home soon.”
Idit Ohel is herself a symbol of that hope.
“Alon is coming home alive. I will say it a thousand times. Alon is coming home alive, and I just have to make sure of it. I have to do everything to make sure he comes back as soon as possible,” she recently told JNS.
Alon is already Superman for what he’s endured. As is Idit.
It’s time he and the remaining hostages are brought home.
Every single day, here at RedState, we will stand up and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT against the radical left and deliver the conservative reporting our readers deserve.
Help us continue to tell the truth about the Trump administration and its major wins. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.
