John Ondrasik, the voice behind Five for Fighting, has breathed new life into his iconic ballad “Superman (It’s Not Easy)”—this time, as a powerful tribute to the Israeli hostages still held captive since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.
The updated version of the emotional anthem features the participation of Alon Ohel’s mother, Idit, and his brother Ronen, along with family and friends of the hostages. Alon Ohel, just one of the many civilians kidnapped during the brutal Hamas onslaught, remains in captivity. Ondrasik’s reworking of the 2001 hit gives voice to the pain, hope, and resilience of those still waiting for their loved ones to come home.
“I am honored to collaborate with current hostage Alon Ohel’s mother Idit, brother Ronen, family and friends with this new version of ‘Superman,’” Ondrasik wrote. “May they all ‘Find a way to fly – To a home I will soon see.’”
Originally released in 2001, “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” became an unexpected anthem of mourning and strength after the 9/11 attacks. Its lyrics, told from the perspective of a weary superhero, struck a chord with first responders, survivors, and the entire nation. Now, nearly 25 years later, the song’s message of quiet endurance and human vulnerability is being used to highlight a new tragedy—and a new plea for justice.
Ondrasik’s call to action includes hashtags like #BringThemHome and #LetMyPeopleGo, part of a growing global movement demanding the immediate release of all hostages still held by Hamas.
This isn’t the first time the artist has stood firmly for moral clarity on the global stage. He previously released the searing protest song “Blood on My Hands” calling out the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
With this new version of “Superman”, John Ondrasik is once again using his platform to do what so few artists dare: stand up for innocent lives, speak truth to terror, and remind the world that real heroism isn’t always loud—but it is steadfast
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