Angrest, kidnapped from his tank near Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7, 2023, amid the Hamas assault that killed his three crewmates, became an instant symbol of resilience upon his return. Footage from Ichilov Hospital showed him humming Adam's songs immediately after landing in Israel, declaring: "All through captivity, I sang your songs, it kept me sane."
A viral clip of him crooning "Mami Zeh Nigmar" with his father en route to medical checks prompted Adam, then in New York prepping for the show, to call via video.
"I'm obsessed with you, Omer - your songs got me through," Angrest said tearfully. Adam replied: "You're a king, brother. Whenever you want, you're VIP for life, we'll sing together."
The pair then belted out "B'Sof HaKol Cholaf" ("In the End, It All Passes") over the phone, a moment shared widely on social media.
Angrest's story resonated deeply: Bound to a gas canister for weeks, enduring electric shocks and isolation in Gaza tunnels, he learned fluent Arabic from news broadcasts and hummed Adam's tracks to cope, alongside Maccabi Haifa soccer chants and card games with fellow captives like Noa Levi.
He even spotted family in hostage protests, fueling his will to survive. Post-release, he attended his commander Daniel Peretz's funeral, hugged siblings, and planned family trips, showing remarkable spirit.
At MSG, Adam, joined by singer Odeya, dedicated the opener to IDF soldiers and abductees, screening clips of Angrest and others like Alon Ahal (who "played" air guitar to tunes). "We waited for you, Matan, welcome home," Adam said, per attendee posts on X.
The event, costing hundreds per ticket, trended in Israel, with fans praising the "healing" vibe amid ceasefire strains.
Angrest, recovering at Ichilov, hasn't commented publicly but told relatives: "Give me Omer Adam, some arak, and Maccabi Haifa, I'm in heaven."
