Omer Shem Tov visits SAR to thank students for prayers during captivity

Omer Shem Tov, who was held hostage by Hamas for 505 days, visited SAR Academy & High School, marking an emotional and significant moment for a school community that has been praying daily for the release of hostages since October 7.

Shem Tov was joined by his parents, Malki and Shelley, and welcomed by the entire student body, faculty and staff during a schoolwide gathering. Standing on the steps where SAR students have regularly assembled to pray for those held in Gaza, Omer and his family joined in as students sang and danced in celebration.

He was flanked by visiting reserve soldiers of the IDF’s Maglan unit — creating a powerful moment of unity and resilience.

Also in attendance were U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a vocal advocate for Israel and the Jewish community, and Shem Tov’s cousin, Leat Corrine Unger.

During a previous visit to SAR while Omer was still in captivity, Unger shared her deep belief in the power of children’s prayers and her hope the next time she returned, it would be with him.

Omer Shem Tov addressed the students in grades 1 through 8: “I was kidnapped on the seventh of October. And I was held captive, kept in captivity for 505 days by Hamas. In that time, I’ve been through hell. There were many times they tried to keep me away from where I am — from Judaism.

“But my faith in God, in Hashem, never stopped. Every day it just grew stronger and stronger.

“And then I came back home because of your prayers. And I want to say thank you. It warms my heart. And I want you to keep going and keep praying. And for all the other hostages — because they all deserve to be home. They’re all our brothers and sisters. And let’s just keep praying. I love you all so much.” 

Omer’s mother, Shelley Shem Tov, said: “From the beginning, I felt the love and the prayers from everywhere — in Israel and all over the world. And, you know, I understand what is the meaning to be a Jew.

“No matter where you are, you feel connected by the soul. We are one. So, no matter where we are, if somebody is in pain, we feel his pain. And it’s only because we are Jew(ish).

“Every prayer that you are praying — I always said you are sending an angel to the hostages, to the soldiers. So, keep praying and thank you for all you did and are doing.”

Shem Tov later addressed students and faculty in grades 8 through 12 at SAR High School. In a personal and emotional presentation, he reflected on his experience in captivity and his return home, offering a powerful message about resilience, hope, and the strength drawn from prayer and unity.

Since the beginning of the war, SAR eighth grader Mikayla Garber has kept Omer Shem Tov’s photo in her prayer book and prayed for him daily. Earlier this year, she created a hope bracelet and placed it on his photo at Ben Gurion Airport. Friday, she was able to present a matching bracelet to Omer in person. 

“This was a moment that brought our students face-to-face with the impact of their prayers and advocacy,” Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy, said. “It made the reality of Omer’s return tangible and showed them that their prayers matter. During what has been a heavy week, seeing Omer today brought some light.”

-Submitted