Overview
- Omer Shem Tov, held by Hamas for 505 days, spoke at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona and paid tribute to slain founder Charlie Kirk.
- He described life in Gaza’s tunnels marked by darkness, hunger and isolation, said prayer sustained him, and recounted refusing an order to detonate a bomb despite threats to kill him.
- He framed the conflict as a battle between good and evil that is spreading globally, citing recent attacks in Australia and Washington, D.C.
- He thanked President Donald Trump, saying Trump’s election frightened his captors and improved his treatment, and told the crowd Trump “brought us home.”
- He continues international advocacy for hostage families and stressed that the effort is not complete until the remains of Ran Gvili are returned.