From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Freed hostage Omer Wenkert lost 30kg in captivity, received no treatment for his colitis, says mom
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Freed hostage Omer Wenkert is finally home, says his mother, Niva Wenkert, “but our fight continues until the last hostage is home.”
“Omer defeated captivity,” says Niva in a press conference at Rabin Medical Center, adding that her son lost more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) while in captivity and never received any medical treatment for colitis, a condition he had prior to being taken hostage to Gaza.
Her husband, Shai Wenkert, thanks the country for the solidarity and reiterates the need to bring all the hostages home.
He also thanks US President Donald Trump and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff for their efforts to return Omer and all of the hostages.
The Times of Israel Community.