Three months after his release from 505 days of Hamas captivity, Omer Shem Tov, 22, stood on the pitcher’s mound at a Boston Red Sox game, marking a poignant moment in his transition to advocate for those still held in the Gaza Strip. Surrounded by supporters, Shem Tov threw the ceremonial first pitch before raising his arms in celebration, his name displayed on the stadium’s billboard.
This event underscores the unexpected public profile Shem Tov has gained since his release. Prior to being taken hostage during the October 7, 2023 attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the seizure of 251 hostages, Shem Tov had recently completed his military service, was employed in a restaurant, enjoyed time with friends, and was planning international travel. Now, he travels globally, campaigning for the release of the remaining 58 hostages, a third of whom are believed to be alive.
Upon his arrival at Boston’s Logan International Airport, Shem Tov was greeted by schoolchildren and teachers wearing “Boston Loves Omer” T-shirts, who sang Israeli songs in Hebrew and danced with him. His visit also included a tour of Gillette Stadium, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution. There, he met with an Israeli player for the Revolution and viewed the Patriots’ six Super Bowl rings. Both teams are owned by entrepreneur Robert Kraft, whose foundation actively campaigns against antisemitism.
Acknowledging his newfound visibility, Shem Tov stated, “I don’t like the word, but I’m famous,” reflecting on the opportunity to throw the first pitch at his inaugural baseball game, among other firsts experienced in Boston.
He expressed gratitude for the international campaign led by hostage families since the October 7 attacks, noting that “a lot of people, a big nation waited for me and a lot of people (fought) for me to come back home.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 53,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza. The conflict has also led to widespread destruction and the displacement of approximately 90% of Gaza’s population.
Navigating a Return to Normalcy Amidst Survivor’s Guilt
While Shem Tov believes his advocacy work is “something important,” he admits it “can be hard.” His return to civilian life has presented challenges, including lingering trauma, such as freezing at the sound of jet planes, and survivor’s guilt over the stark contrast between his freedom and the continued captivity of others.
“I get greeted in the street. People stop me and want selfies and stuff like this,” he recounted. “I support it and I will speak to anyone, anyone, anyone … because everyone wants to give out love.”
Despite the outpouring of support, simple acts like “going and grabbing a bite to eat” are emotionally difficult for Shem Tov, who feels a profound empathy for the remaining hostages who may lack basic necessities like food and water. “I remember taking the first bite of anything, it was heavenly,” he said. “I’m showering and I have guilt that they don’t take a shower.”
Shem Tov was attending the Tribe of Nova music festival in southern Israel on the day of the attack. He described attempting to escape with friends Maya and Itay Regev in a car driven by Ori Danino, a stranger who offered them refuge. Militants fired upon the vehicle, forced them out, and abducted them into Gaza. The Regev siblings were released during a November 2023 ceasefire; Danino was later killed. Reflecting on the event, Shem Tov recalled “the festival itself, the freedom and happiness and us as youth having fun,” before adding, “In seconds, life changed for us. My friends who were there with me, some got killed. Those who came back, they are not the same.”
Experiences in Captivity
Shem Tov recounted being initially held above ground with Itay Regev, moved between different apartments in Gaza, and concealed by wearing women’s clothing. He was eventually transferred to a cell approximately 130 feet underground, often in complete darkness. His sustenance was minimal, consisting of little more than a daily biscuit, leading to a significant weight loss from around 176 pounds to 121 pounds. “There were times I thought, I’m blind. I have been starved. I have been spat on. I’ve been cursed. Difficult, difficult times,” Shem Tov shared. He credited his faith with helping him endure these hardships, engaging in daily conversations with God, expressing gratitude for the “air in my lungs,” the “small amounts of food,” and the safety of his family.
Initially unaware of the conflict above ground, Shem Tov later heard Israeli tanks and bombings when moved to a tunnel closer to the surface. On one occasion, he could hear the voices of Israeli soldiers through a ventilation unit. “As much as I was glad to hear them, I was very, very scared for my life,” he admitted, explaining that his captors had threatened to kill him if Israeli forces approached.
Release and Continued Advocacy
Released on February 22 as part of a ceasefire deal along with five other hostages, Shem Tov was seen in video footage surrounded by masked, armed Hamas fighters. Under duress, he kissed the head of a fighter and blew kisses to the crowd. He recalled a van passing, briefly revealing two hostages who were not part of the release. Upon being handed over to the Red Cross and taken to an area under Israeli military control, Shem Tov described his relief: “I get out of the vehicle, I look around, I see the sky, the sun. The first time, I feel safe.” He added that he immediately asked an Israeli soldier for a hug. “It’s the first time in forever I feel love and warmth,” he said.
Shem Tov was reunited with his parents, Shelly and Avraham Shem Tov, who had left his bedroom untouched in anticipation of his return. “I see my mom and my dad and I run up to them, and I hug them,” Shem Tov recounted. “I waited for this moment for so long. I imagined it for so long. This is what I want every hostage to experience.”
Embracing his role as an advocate, a cause already championed by his parents, Shem Tov is determined to ensure the release of all remaining hostages. “It’s really fulfilling. I love what I am doing but don’t like the cause,” he stated. “I wish they were all here today. I hope it will be soon and in good circumstances.”
Despite his reluctance to discuss politics, Shem Tov expressed concern that Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza puts the remaining hostages at increased risk. “Every soldier for me is a hero,” he said. “But there is a big but. For me and the hostages, it’s difficult for us while the army is in the area. Places near us are being bombed. I support the army but we have to get them out.” He concluded with a stark warning: “If you keep on going with the military pressure, there is a big chance they will be killed.”
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