Hamas Tunnel Captive Omer Shem Tov Recounts Isolation and Faith

Omer Shem Tov, a former hostage held by Hamas, has shared details of his harrowing 50-day captivity, during which he was held alone in a dark tunnel.

Speaking on the Kan Reshet Bet radio program "Kalman Lieberman," Shem Tov described his struggle with post-traumatic stress, characterized by moments of freezing. He stated that from the moment of his release, he knew he wanted to share his experience and spread light and joy.

Shem Tov recounted the extreme isolation he endured, deprived of food and with no other hostages or captors nearby. "I turned on a small flashlight once a day to know I could still see," he said, recalling the suffocating feeling of the small space where he couldn't stand or extend his arms. Forbidden to shout, he added "the ability to shout" to his to-do list for returning home.

During his captivity, Shem Tov developed a deep connection to his faith, describing it as becoming physically real and tangible when his life was returned to him. He established a routine that included meditation and imagination exercises. He also recalled a time with fellow captive Itay Regev in an apartment, where they received a small bottle of grape juice from a Hamas operative, a gift from hostage Mia Regev, which they used for Kiddush, the Jewish blessing over wine.

Shem Tov is currently dealing with the psychological aftermath of his ordeal, experiencing symptoms of PTSD.