SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - Omer Shem Tov was attending a music festival on October 7 of 2023, when the tax rang out and he was held hostage for 505 days underneath the city of Gaza.

On Monday, October 27, Shem Tov shared his story, telling ABC7 about the doubts he had in the early days of his ordeal.

“In the first two weeks of captivity, I was in denial. Like very blaming God for everything. Why me, why me, why me, I didn’t steal, I’m not a thief, I’m not a murderer, why me, why was I taken?”

Local Jewish community shares joy, grief as Israeli hostages come home

Shem Tov told ABC7 that ultimately, the doubts couldn’t compare to the love waiting at home; it was a love that he said kept him going.

“I decided I cannot give up, and that I have my parents waiting for me. Back home, I can

See Full Page