Omer Shem Tov, a 21-year-old Israeli man, was kidnapped by Hamas during the Nova music festival in Gaza on Oct. 7. His family witnessed the ordeal live on location, and he remains in Gaza along with around 100 other hostages still in the custody of terrorists. Shem Tov’s cousin, Leat Corinne Unger, shared the story of the family’s harrowing experience at an event in Flatiron Plaza hosted by the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council. The families of the hostages demanded the release of their loved ones and used the event as an opportunity for New Yorkers to pray and learn about the Israelis still in captivity.
The horror of the Nova festival massacre on Oct. 7 has become worldwide news. Shem Tov’s ordeal began with gunfire and explosions, prompting him to flee into the brush on foot after calling his sister to tell her not to worry. He was tracked down by terrorists and thrown into the back of a pickup truck. Even in dire conditions in Gaza, Shem Tov remained faithful. According to his friend Itay, who was also abducted but later released as part of a ceasefire deal, Shem Tov would keep track of time by listening to Muslim prayers. They rationed their food to continue observing the Sabbath blessing while in captivity.
Unger emphasized the importance of pressuring Hamas to release the remaining hostages to end the suffering in Gaza. She stressed that the issue of hostages is a humanitarian crisis that transcends politics and should be tackled as such. Unger believes that demanding the release of hostages can lead to a ceasefire and an end to suffering and bloodshed on all sides. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Shem Tov’s family remains hopeful that he will be returned safely. The event in Flatiron Plaza was held as news emerged that three hostages, including Shani Louk, were found dead in Rafah.
In addition to Shani Louk, two other victims of the music festival massacre, Amit Buskila and Itzik Gelernter, were found dead during military operations in Rafah. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others are still held by militants. Approximately half of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas were released after a ceasefire deal in November. Unger, a Columbia University alumna, expressed her disturbance over anti-Israel protests on campus and highlighted the politicization of the innocent hostages amid the ongoing conflict.
The ongoing situation in Gaza and the plight of the hostages have garnered international attention and condemnation. The families of the hostages, including Omer Shem Tov, continue to advocate for their release and for an end to the suffering caused by the conflict. The emotional toll on the families and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the hostages underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis. As pressure mounts on Hamas to release the remaining hostages, there is hope for a possible ceasefire and a step towards peace in the region. The stories of the hostages, including Shem Tov’s resilience and faith in challenging circumstances, serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of humanitarian action in times of crisis.
