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Published Israeli Geisel Omer Shem Tov remembers: “I shouted God to God” for rescue

Omer Shem Tov with his parents Shelly and Malki on the way to the hospital after his release from Hamas captivity (Photo: IDF spokesman)

The Israeli Geisel Omer Shem Tov, which was released from Hamas in February, remembered how he shouted at God on Thursday.

“On the 50th day, when I was in complete darkness after five days shortly before despair, when everything I had to eat told An audience in his hometown Herzliya, a Costal City north of Tel Aviv.

“Five minutes later my kidnapper came and told me that I would be moved to another place,” he added, which implied that God answered for help at his request.

After Shem Tov had been kidnapped by the Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, regular rallies were held on the dancer 'Square in Herzliya to work for his release.

On Thursday, Shem Tov removed his hostage portrait alongside his friends Itay and Maya RegevA brother and a sister who were also kidnapped from Israel during the Hamas attack on October 7th. The director was released in November 2023 as part of the first hostage contract.

“The last time I was on a stage was on the stage of Hamas, so give me when I'm emotional at that moment,” Shem Tov told the audience.


Omer Shem Tov During the emotional reunification with his parents Malki and Shelly at the first reception after his release from Hamas Captivity (Photo: IDF spokesman)

He remembered how difficult it was to be separated from his friend Itay.

“After ITAY had returned, I felt very lonely,” said Shem Tov. “I was brought to a tunnel for 50 days alone in a closed cell for 50 days with little food and without light. I had a flashlight that I found, and I used it every day for a few minutes so that the battery did not go out,” he revealed.

Shem Tov further explained that some Hamas tunnels were worse than others.

“Also in tunnels – there is a bad situation and there is one very Bad situation. “

“Thank God, in the new tunnel I had light and the amount of food increased,” he recalled.

At the end of February, Shem Tov was released after 505 days in the Hamas captivity. The Israeli commentators condemned Hamas to kiss Shem Tov to kiss the forehead of his kidnappers as hostage during the publication ceremony.

Ynet News Arab world Correspondent Lior Ben-Ari criticized the Hamas propaganda videoWhat was worked on to make it appear as if Shem Tov will voluntarily kiss its kidnappers.

“The demand for one kiss and another on the head, typical of a father-son relationship, is a further proof of how well-planned Hamas propaganda is and comes after gifts and souvenirs with the same value and demanded that the hostages on the stage thank you. Perhaps we explain it to you in Arabic: »I swear, is it possible for the kidnapped person to kiss the terrorist's head who kidnapped him? No, of course not. '' Ben-Ari explained.


Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, who have been held in Gaza since the fatal attack on October 7, 2023, are published as part of a ceasefire and a hostage mill.

Like many other former hostages, Shem TOV is currently in for the return of all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.

“I know what you feel and I understand how urgent it is to get her out of hell,” he said. “Every day there it is unclear whether you stay or die from hunger or physical and mental abuse. We all have to get out of there – life for rehabilitation and the deceased for the funeral.”

Shem Tov thanked his family, friends and God for surviving more than 500 difficult days in Hamas.

“I have been alone for over a year and now learn to adapt to a new, unknown life,” he said. “He is blessed, who kept us alive, supported us and brought us at that time.”

“I'm Omer Shem Tov and I'm free.”