Former hostage Omer Shem Tov recalls loneliness, hunger, abuse during Hamas captivity

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov recounts 505 days in Hamas captivity, describing loneliness, hunger, physical abuse, and a staged release ceremony. He reflects on his life after release, including his book 'Meeting Myself in Hell,' and rejects being called a hero, instead honoring the soldiers who fought for Israel.

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov, abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, describes 505 days in Hamas captivity in a wide-ranging interview with Maariv. He details the prolonged loneliness, intense hunger with only half a pita daily, and physical abuse, including being beaten with a broomstick after a terrorist falsely claimed Shem Tov killed his friend. Shem Tov spent 50 days isolated in a dark cell too small to stand upright, where he hid a flashlight to check his eyesight. He was released in February 2025 alongside Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, but was forced to participate in a staged release ceremony where he was instructed to kiss the head of a terrorist. Since release, Shem Tov has traveled, lectured, completed an acting course in New York, and published his book 'Meeting Myself in Hell.' He rejects being called a hero, stating the soldiers who fought for Israel are the true heroes.