Israeli President Isaac Herzog met Tuesday evening with former hostage Omer Wenkert, who was kidnapped on October 7 from a bomb shelter in Kibbutz Re’im after escaping the massacre at the Nova music festival. The meeting took place at the President’s Residence and was attended by Omer’s parents, Niva and Shay. The conversation touched on memories of captivity, the challenges of post-release life, and the urgent need to bring home those still being held.
Praying for Everyone’s Return
The president told Omer: “I’m truly overjoyed — on behalf of an entire nation — to see you here. I know what kind of hell you went through. You had no television, no one spoke to you — and now you’re here with us. This sends a message of encouragement to everyone still there, and it’s a cry to pray and speak out in every possible way until every last one is brought home, as quickly as possible.”
“This isn’t a political issue”
Omer, who was held in Hamas captivity for over a year and freed in February, spoke directly to the president and the public: “Above all, we must bring the hostages back as quickly as we can. This isn’t a political matter — it’s our duty as a people and a country. It’s been more than 100 days since I returned — that isn’t a short time. People think it’s a cliché that every moment counts, but it’s the truth.”
His parents echoed his words. His mother Niva said: “They don’t have even one more minute. Let’s save them. Let’s save ourselves so we can begin to rebuild.” His father Shay added: “It’s possible. We can bring them back. Omer can testify to what he went through there — and we’re here, until the last hostage is home.”
