Shelly Shem Tov, the mother of released hostage Omer Shem Tov, shared that her son spent almost the entire duration of his captivity confined alone in a tunnel.
In a press briefing at the Rabin Medical Center, Shelly explained that her son, who was abducted from the Nova festival, endured 450 days alone in a tunnel where he faced immense hardship.
Omer confided in her about the thoughts that kept him going during his imprisonment. He dreamt of resting his head on his mother’s lap while she gently stroked his hair, and of riding with his father on his motorcycle. Shelly recalls that Omer told her he only felt he could breathe again the moment he encountered the IDF forces for the first time.
Shelly also expressed deep appreciation for Ori Danino, another hostage who was killed. Ori, on October 7, re-entered the carnage at the Nova rave to rescue his siblings, Maya and Itay Regev, and Omer. All four were captured, with the Regev siblings released in November 2023, while Danino was tragically killed in captivity in August 2024.
“He didn’t think about himself or his family, just that you don’t leave anyone behind,” Shelly said. “He is the hero and the angel who saved them.”
Shelly also extended her heartfelt thanks to the fallen IDF soldiers and their families, emphasizing that their bravery and sacrifices are the reason for everything. She vowed to always stand with them, acknowledging their courage and ultimate sacrifice.
{Matzav.com}