Omer Shem Tov, taken at the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival, spent 505 days in Hamas captivity and says his experience convinced him the conflict represents a global fight between good and evil. He described forced labor, scarce rations, and five months living inside Gaza tunnel networks. Speaking at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest, he thanked former President Donald Trump for helping secure hostage releases and urged audiences to confront extremist violence worldwide.
Ex‑Hamas Hostage Freed After 505 Days Warns 'Evil Is Spreading' — Credits Trump, Urges Global Vigilance
Omer Shem Tov spoke to AmFest on Dec. 19 after 505 days in Hamas captivity.
Omer Shem Tov, a 23‑year‑old Israeli taken during the Oct. 7, 2023 Nova Music Festival attack, says his 505 days in Hamas captivity convinced him that the conflict in Israel is part of a broader struggle between good and evil. Shem Tov, who says he spent roughly the final five months living and working inside Hamas's tunnel network beneath the Gaza Strip, made the remarks at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Arizona.
Omer Shem Tov traveled to Arizona on Friday to deliver a speech at TPUSA's AmFest.
Captured, Held In Tunnels, Then Freed
Shem Tov recounted the harsh conditions of his imprisonment: forced labor including digging and moving munitions, scarce rations despite observing large supplies controlled by his captors, and long stretches in darkness that led him to prayer. He told Fox Digital that captors watched Al Jazeera in the tunnels and openly discussed the U.S. presidential race.
Hamas terrorists marching in Gaza during a parade.
"This fight is between good and evil," Shem Tov said at AmericaFest, warning that extremists can turn hospitals into torture chambers and schools into bases, and that civilians are targeted because of their religion or identity.
Release And Public Advocacy
Shem Tov publicly thanked former President Donald Trump for his role in securing the release of some hostages and said he met Trump nine days after being freed. He told attendees he and many Israelis felt Trump had been instrumental in bringing hostages home. Shem Tov has since become an outspoken advocate, framing the conflict as having global implications and pointing to violent incidents abroad and in the U.S. as evidence of a spreading threat.
Omer Shem Tov spoke with Fox News Digital, recounting his 505 days in Hamas captivity before his February release.
At AmericaFest he also referenced the September assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and praised Kirk's support for Israeli hostages. Reflecting on his time in captivity, Shem Tov said solitude and fear led him to new religious faith: "Alone in the darkness, I began to pray. Every day I spoke to Him."
A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on the Jumbotron before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Bristol, Tennessee.
Context And Numbers
Reporting indicates that 168 hostages survived their time in Gaza while 83 people died. Remains of slain Israeli police officer Ran Gvili were returned and identified. Earlier in the conflict, Israel released roughly 2,000 prisoners as part of an exchange to secure hostage releases.
Omer Shem Tov was held in Hamas captivity for 505 days before his release in February 2025.
Shem Tov's message warns English‑speaking audiences that, in his view, the violence is not confined to one region and that Western societies must remain vigilant. He urged listeners to confront extremism and to support organizations he sees as defenders of freedom and truth.
