Omer Shem Tov, one of the 101 remaining hostages in Gaza, marked his second birthday in captivity on Thursday, turning 22 years old.
In an Instagram post dedicated to his birthday, Omer’s mother, Shelly Shem Tov, called on others around the world to do an act of kindness and to bring light into the world, as Omer has now spent 391 days in Hamas captivity.
She also asks for world leaders to pressure Hamas into a deal to release the remaining hostages.
Over a year in captivity
On October 7, 2023, the terrorist group Hamas initiated the deadliest terror attack in Israel’s history, killing over 1,200 innocent people and kidnapped around 250 hostages.
About 40 of those among the 250 people taken hostage were abducted at the Nova Music Festival, including Omer.
Since the massacre over a year ago, Omer’s mother has been active in protesting the government and demanding from them a deal that would release the hostages.
In April, Shelly Shem Tov organized a protest where hundreds gathered in Herzliya, wearing yellow clothes and Israeli flags.
“I can either take charge and lead others or become a victim,” Shelly had said this past month on a Shabbat retreat that brought survivors of the attack together.
“This test we’re all going through — as painful as it is — teaches us that we’re all brothers, and this Shabbat is proof of that.”