Omer Shem-Tov, Israeli man held hostage by Hamas for 505 days, shares story of captivity, survival
Share this @internewscast.com

A young Israeli, aged 23, shares his harrowing tale of being held captive for over 500 days after a deadly Hamas terror attack in 2023.

Since gaining his freedom, Omer Shem-Tov has had the honor of throwing the first pitch at Boston’s Fenway Park and meeting President Donald Trump. However, despite his newfound liberty, Shem-Tov is easily reminded of his traumatic experiences.

“Everything seems so unreal,” he expressed. “I can be sitting on the beach, feeling the sun’s warmth on my skin, and then suddenly, I remember, ‘Thank God I’m finally home.’

It’s been nearly three months since the 23-year-old was released, after 505 days of Hamas captivity.

Finally, he was reunited with his family after nearly a year and a half. Much of his time in captivity was spent in isolation in a tiny, pitch-black terror tunnel beneath the Gaza Strip.

“Starvation, it’s an awful thing,” Shem-Tov said. “Seeing my bones, my shoulder bones, my rib cage, I can feel it. Eating a biscuit a day, calculating how to eat it throughout the day. Not a lot of people can imagine what true darkness is. If you’re in a dark room you move your hand, you see shadows moving. I did not see those shadows. There were times I thought I went blind.”

Early in the morning on October 7, as he danced with his friends in the desert, Hamas massacred hundreds at the Nova Music Festival, and abducted 44 people, including Shem-Tov.

His parents, Malki and Shelley, were among the founders of the Hostage and Families Forum, now a global advocacy group supported by New York-based UJA Federation. That’s where the family told their story Tuesday night.

All of this comes as yet another attempt at peace fell through. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on Wednesday, vowing to maintain the Israeli onslaught until all of Gaza is under Israeli control. But Hamas holds 58 hostages and won’t return them unless the war ends.

“This is something that we cannot understand,” said Omer’s father Matt Malki Shem-Tov. “How come lives of people become political?”

Omer Shem-Tov was the last of 33 hostages released during the short-lived ceasefire earlier this year.

He’s hungry no more, and no longer in the dark, but what he can’t shake is the guilt that he’s free and others are not.

“It’s this feeling of guilt, this feeling of guilt it will not let you go,” he said. “All I want is for people to really unite and come together and to help us finish this hell and retrieve all the hostages back home.”

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Florida Uber Eats driver noticed autistic son missing from car, continues delivery: police

Florida Uber Eats Driver Reports Autistic Son Missing During Delivery, Police Investigate

A Florida Uber Eats driver has been charged with child neglect after…
Dad finds 13-year-old son dead after 200-foot fall from bluff inside popular National Park site

Tragic National Park Accident: Father Discovers Son’s Fatal 200-Foot Fall

In a heart-wrenching incident in Arkansas over the weekend, a father discovered…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
A timeline of US attacks off South America and what Congress has had to say

Exploring the Chronology of U.S. Military Actions off South America: Congressional Insights and Reactions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the past two months, President Donald Trump and…
Man accused of killing teacher wife after wandering shirtless and warning of ‘too many cops’ nearby: police

Shirtless Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Teacher Wife, Claims ‘Too Many Cops’ Were Close: Police Report

A Texas man has been taken into custody following allegations that he…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
California police officer struck and killed by car while stopping to help driver

Tragic Loss: California Officer Fatally Struck While Heroically Assisting Stranded Driver

The La Mesa Police Department is grieving the loss of one of…
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…
Five Points businesses recovering after break-ins

Five Points Businesses Rebound Following Recent Break-Ins

Pattaya Thai is among several businesses in Five Points grappling with the…