PHOENIX, Ariz. — Omer Shem Tov, who spent 505 days held hostage by Hamas terrorists in the dungeons of Gaza, delivered a powerful and deeply emotional speech Friday night at Turning Point USA’s annual AmFest, recounting the horrors of captivity and the faith that sustained him.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Shem Tov, who was abducted during Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack, told the packed audience that during his more than 16 months in captivity, he spoke to God every single day, describing prayer as his primary source of strength and survival.
“I spoke to God every day,” he said, recounting an ongoing, deeply personal conversation that helped him endure isolation, fear and brutality underground.
Omer Shem Tov, who was taken hostage during Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack and was held captive for more than 16 months, delivers an incredible speech at TPUSA's AmFest
This is truly inspiring pic.twitter.com/CObkW1gt8F
— Ryan Saavedra (@RyanSaavedra) December 19, 2025
He spoke candidly about the physical and psychological torment of captivity in Gaza’s tunnels, where time blurred and hope often felt unreachable. In those moments, he said, faith was what anchored him.
“When everything was taken from me, I still had my connection to God,” Shem Tov told the audience. “That’s what kept me alive.”
Rather than focusing on hatred or revenge, Shem Tov emphasized resilience, meaning and gratitude, even in the darkest conditions. He said prayer allowed him not only to plead for survival, but to find purpose amid suffering.
The speech marked one of Shem Tov’s most significant public appearances since his release and quickly became one of the most emotional moments of the conference. Many in the audience stood in silence, some visibly moved, as he spoke.
As he concluded, the hall erupted into a prolonged standing ovation, with attendees chanting his name — a rare moment of unity and reflection at one of the largest conservative gatherings in the United States.
Shem Tov’s testimony served as a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism — and of the enduring power of faith, even in captivity deep beneath Gaza.
Oh my , is it so hard to admire a fellow Jewish hostage who has suffered unimaginable horrors and yet still held on to his connection to Hashem ?!
Does it feel good to see flaws in everyone?,
Shame on all of u that still manage to call out the negative. You have plenty to learn from him. He obviously didn’t get the same education you did and some basic understanding of other people’s situations should elicit more positive perspectives.
He should begin observing Shabbat and save public speaking for the week days.
that would really be thanking HaShem.
Kiddush Hashem
Sad that VIN is glorifying this public chillul Shabbos.
He is likely a tinnok shenishba.