Omer Shem Tov, who was taken hostage during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, shares how his experience in captivity led him to embrace Jewish rituals and prayer, ultimately aiding his survival. His story provides a compelling narrative of faith in dire circumstances.
Resilience Amidst Captivity: Omer Shem Tov's Journey in Hamas Tunnels

Resilience Amidst Captivity: Omer Shem Tov's Journey in Hamas Tunnels
Omer Shem Tov, a former hostage of Hamas, reflects on his profound spiritual journey during 505 days in captivity, highlighting the interplay of faith and survival.
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In a poignant reflection on faith and survival, Omer Shem Tov recounts his harrowing experience of being taken hostage by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Now back home, Shem Tov, who spent 505 days in captivity, says that embracing Jewish rituals and prayer became his lifeline underground.
Before his capture at the Nova music festival, where thousands had gathered for a rave near the Gaza border, Shem Tov was a typical 20-year-old living a carefree life in a largely secular household after completing his military service. However, everything changed in an instant.
His mother, Shelly Shem Tov, performed emotional rituals every morning in prayer for her son’s safety, reciting Chapter 20 of the Book of Psalms, not knowing that her son was doing the same deeply meaningful recitation in the depths of a Hamas tunnel, separated by 130 feet of darkness.
Despite the despair of his surroundings, Shem Tov's spirit remained unbroken. Within days of his abduction, he began speaking to God, promising to commit acts of gratitude for the scant food he received, and he sought divine intervention for his situation. His newfound faith became a source of strength that he believes helped him endure the trials of captivity.
As stories of those impacted by the ongoing conflict continue to unfold, Shem Tov's journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit faced with adversity. Through shared rituals across vast distances, his family's enduring hope highlights how faith can bridge the gap between despair and survival.
In a poignant reflection on faith and survival, Omer Shem Tov recounts his harrowing experience of being taken hostage by Hamas during the attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Now back home, Shem Tov, who spent 505 days in captivity, says that embracing Jewish rituals and prayer became his lifeline underground.
Before his capture at the Nova music festival, where thousands had gathered for a rave near the Gaza border, Shem Tov was a typical 20-year-old living a carefree life in a largely secular household after completing his military service. However, everything changed in an instant.
His mother, Shelly Shem Tov, performed emotional rituals every morning in prayer for her son’s safety, reciting Chapter 20 of the Book of Psalms, not knowing that her son was doing the same deeply meaningful recitation in the depths of a Hamas tunnel, separated by 130 feet of darkness.
Despite the despair of his surroundings, Shem Tov's spirit remained unbroken. Within days of his abduction, he began speaking to God, promising to commit acts of gratitude for the scant food he received, and he sought divine intervention for his situation. His newfound faith became a source of strength that he believes helped him endure the trials of captivity.
As stories of those impacted by the ongoing conflict continue to unfold, Shem Tov's journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit faced with adversity. Through shared rituals across vast distances, his family's enduring hope highlights how faith can bridge the gap between despair and survival.