Ex-hostage Omer Shem Tov began keeping Shabbat in captivity

Omer Shem Tov, released yesterday (Saturday), was kidnapped 505 days ago from the Nova music festival, along with his friends Maya and Itay Regev, who were released during the first hostage deal in November 2023.

On his return, Omer defied Hamas' usual public humiliation tactics before reuniting with his parents, Shelly and Malki, who fought tirelessly for his freedom. His parents discovered that during captivity, he began observing Shabbat and found inner strength despite severe malnutrition that caused him to lose dozens of pounds, Kan News reported.

Malki Shem Tov revealed that his son spent most of his captivity in solitary confinement and was subjected to repeated humiliation. "They forced him to wave and kiss a guard standing next to him. They told him exactly what to do," he told Kan News, referencing footage of the forced display.

Omer's brother, Amit, shared his relief with Ynet, saying, "I feel amazing. I saw Omer—now everything’s fine. He looks great, walking, talking, and telling us stories. He’s incredible. So many people want to send him hamburgers! They’re already on the way. He’s feeling okay overall."

Omer Shem Tov was released alongside Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, and Eliya Cohen, all of whom endured horrifying conditions in Hamas' tunnels.

The four were subjected to extreme physical and psychological abuse, prolonged isolation, and intentional starvation. According to Channel 12, Eliya Cohen recounted his experience in captivity with fellow hostages Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Alon Ohel. Cohen suffered severe mistreatment—he was shot in the leg, denied medical care, and left with deep wounds from being handcuffed for extended periods.

For months, Cohen remained bound hand and foot, unable to stand. Hamas deliberately starved the hostages, eating in front of them while withholding food. They were kept in dark tunnels, with light provided only sporadically by flashlights.