Omer Shem Tov tells his story of faith, survival and unbreakable hope

UIA Australia will welcome Omer Shem Tov and his mother Shelly for a special visit to Sydney and Melbourne in November, where they will share their remarkable story of courage, faith and love that captured the hearts of the Jewish world.

Omer was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on October 7 and held for 505 days in brutal captivity. His mother, Shelly, became one of the most powerful voices advocating for the release of the hostages, refusing to give up hope.

In February 2025, when Omer was finally released, Shelly wrote, “Exactly one year ago, on the eve of Shabbat Mishpatim, I observed my first Shabbat according to halacha. Since then, I have kept Shabbat throughout the year – and the more I kept Shabbat, the more Shabbat kept me. And Baruch Hashem, on this Shabbat, exactly one year later I will get to hug my Omer.”

During his captivity, Omer too found strength in faith. He began observing Shabbat as best he could – using a piece of toilet paper as a kippah, avoiding light on Friday nights, and saving a half bottle of grape juice to recite Kiddush each week.

He also found and kept a small Tefilat HaDerech (Traveller’s Prayer) card with Psalm 20 on the reverse, that had been left in the tunnels by Israeli soldiers. Every day, he whispered the words on that card, completely unaware that across the border in Israel, his mother was reciting the exact same prayer for him every day. That card has since become a symbol of faith and resilience to Omer as it was those words that sustained him through the darkness.

Omer’s visit comes at a time when Israel, and Jewish communities around the world, are experiencing great relief and joy that the remaining live hostages are now also returned to their families, whilst at the same time holding on to hope that the remaining murdered hostages remains are also returned to their families for burial.

UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller said Omer’s story is a testament to the strength of spirit that defines Israel and the Jewish people. “Omer and Shelly embody courage and faith in their purest form,” Miller said. “Their story unites us – it reminds us that light can emerge from the deepest darkness, and that hope is the heartbeat of our people.”

Omer will appear at UIA Young Leadership events in NSW and Victoria, where he will share his journey and reflections on faith, family and the power of unity.

UIA NSW is also proud to collaborate with The Shabbat Project where they will host Omer for a special communal evening on Thursday 6 November and the pre-Shabbat Young Adult drinks on Friday 7 November.

Full details and bookings for all NSW and VIC events are available at uiaaustralia.org.au/upcoming-events