Freed Hostage Omer Wenkert joins fight for release of remaining captives

Omer Wenkert, who endured 505 days in Hamas captivity before his release on February 22, has made an emotional pledge to help free the remaining hostages, particularly those who were forced to witness his release ceremony.

In an Instagram post today, Wenkert, who lost 30 kilograms (66 pounds) during his captivity, shared a conversation with his mother Niva. When she mentioned returning to advocacy efforts, he firmly responded: "No, you're not 'returning.' It's me who's joining the struggle!"

The 23-year-old former restaurant manager was photographed wearing the hostages' symbol necklace as he made his commitment. He specifically mentioned Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa Dalal, who remain in captivity and were reportedly brought to watch his release ceremony. "Two of my brothers were left behind. I will ensure with every drop of energy I have that you return to me, and the sooner the better!" he declared.

Background of Captivity

Wenkert was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, where Hamas terrorists killed over 360 people. His last communication with his family came at 6:30 a.m. that morning, when he texted them "I'm scared to death" while hiding in a shelter. By 7:50 a.m., all communication ceased. Later that day, Hamas released footage showing him being forced onto a pickup truck.

During his captivity, he spent 450 days alone in a tunnel, with severely limited food - sometimes just three dates and half a pita daily. He was denied proper medical treatment for his colitis condition, a chronic illness requiring regular medication. Despite these hardships, fellow hostages reported that he remained optimistic and even sang to lift others' spirits.

The Release and Aftermath

His release came as part of a ceasefire-hostage deal that freed six living hostages, including Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed. At their reunion, his father Shai recited the "Shehecheyanu" blessing—a Jewish prayer of gratitude—while his mother declared, "Omer defeated captivity."

At a press conference following his release, his parents revealed the extent of his physical deterioration during captivity, though they celebrated his resilient spirit. Upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Wenkert wrote "Now it's good!" on a whiteboard and had an emotional reunion with his siblings Ran and Maya.

Now, just days after his emotional homecoming, Wenkert has transformed his personal trauma into a mission to secure freedom for those still held in Gaza. His commitment adds a powerful voice to the ongoing campaign for hostage release, as someone who intimately understands the ordeal joins the efforts of families and supporters demanding their return.

Prior to his abduction, Wenkert had been set to start a restaurant management course at Shenkar College in November 2023. He had worked as a manager at Nina Bianca restaurant and dreamed of becoming a restaurant critic. These plans were interrupted by his captivity, but his focus now lies with securing the freedom of those still held in Gaza.