Omer Wenkert released from Hamas captivity after 505 days

On February 22, 2025, Omer Wenkert, 23, was released by Hamas from Gaza as part of phase one of a mediated hostage release-ceasefire deal. Below are the initial reports of his capture:

Omer Wenkert, 22 (now 23), was taken captive by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova desert rave on October 7, as they attacked the party, killing some 360 partygoers and abducting at least 40.

Wenkert was in touch with his parents that morning, telling them he was “scared to death.” Their last communication with him was at 7:50 a.m.

Wenkert’s parents scrambled to find any information they could, frantically combing social media, calling friends, trying to figure out what had happened to their son.

At 11:11 a.m., they were sent a Hamas video of Omer, tied up on the flatbed of a white pickup truck, in his underwear, confirming that he had been taken hostage in Gaza.

Wenkert suffers from colitis and can have very dramatic attacks, said his parents in a video posted on the website that was put together about him.

“I feel him here,” said his father, Shai, touching his stomach. “We believe he will come back.”

Wenkert, vibrant and social with a wide circle of friends, has a brother, Ran, 18, and a sister, Maya, 13. He works as a restaurant manager and plans to become a restaurant critic.

Wenkert’s mother, Niva, said she saw his eyes in the video, “I saw that he’s alive,” she said. “He has to come back alive.”