JERUSALEM – For five months in Hamas captivity, Omri Shem Tov made Kiddush every Shabbat with half a bottle of grape juice—and it never ran out. “It never spoiled, never emptied. It reminded me of the miracle of the oil on Chanukah,” he said, describing the faith that sustained him through the darkness of Gaza’s tunnels.
Recently freed, Shem Tov shared his story with 800 volunteers from “Kesher Yehudi,” recalling the prayers and spiritual strength that carried him. “Even in the deepest darkness, I felt the light you sent me,” he said.
His mother, Sheli Shem Tov, reflected on her own faith during the 15-month ordeal. “Not only did I keep Shabbat—Shabbat kept me,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support that helped bring her son home.
Shira Sigal, daughter of former hostages Aviva and Keith Sigal, spoke of her parents’ unexpected spiritual growth in captivity, while Galit, mother of Segev Kalfon—still held by Hamas—led a powerful communal prayer for the remaining hostages.
Rabbanit Tsili Schneider, founder of “Kesher Yehudi,” underscored the unbreakable Jewish spirit: “Even in captivity, the light of our heritage shined through. Omri’s story is the story of Am Yisrael—holding onto our faith through the darkest times.”
As reported by VINnews