Staines Synagogue's joy as ‘adopted’ hostage Omer Shem Tov is released

Staines Synagogue has seen as outpouring of relief among its congregants since Omer Shem Tov, the hostage the community “adopted”, was freed.

Omer, 22, who had spent over 500 days in Gaza, was released on Saturday alongside Omer Wenkert and Eliya Cohen.

Hostages Tal Shoham, Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengisto were  also freed that day.

Omer was abducted from the Nova music festival with friends Itay and Maya Regev, who were liberated in November 2023. 

In February 2024, the Board of Deputies reached out to synagogues across the UK, calling on them to "adopt” a hostage by keeping their names and stories alive through prayer and public support.

“We were asked by the Board of Deputies to 'adopt' a hostage, and so we took a young man called Omer Shem Tov to our hearts and have been hoping and praying for his safe return ever since,” said Donald Brenner, chairman of Staines and District Synagogue.

The synagogue reserved a seat for Omer in the prayer hall, placing his photograph on the chair as a symbol of their support. The seat has remained empty –  a silent tribute – ever since.

The congregation has also been reciting prayers for Omer and the other hostages, and in the foyer, a notice board has kept the community updated on his situation.

The synagogue is participating in the Board of Deputies' 'Adopt a Hostage' initiative[Missing Credit]

Individual members of Staines Synagogue have been writing to Omer’s family, offering words of encouragement and solidarity.

“You can imagine our joy and relief when he was freed over the weekend,” said Brenner. “We’ve sent a message through the Board of Deputies to Omer and his family, and we have invited him to Staines when he feels the time is right.

"This is a story that is worth telling as it offers a chink of light amidst the gloom that continues to hang over the hostage situation and which will continue to do so until every last one is released.

Omer Shem Tov, who spent the first 50 days in captivity with Itay until the latter’s release, was alone for the remainder of his 16-month-long ordeal, said his father, Malki.

He also confirmed that Omer had been forced by his captors to participate in a propaganda ceremony, during which he was made to kiss a Hamas gunman on the forehead.

Staines Synagogue has been actively involved in 'adopting' Omer Shem Tov[Missing Credit]

Malki said: "Omer told us that they compelled him to wave and to kiss that guard who was standing next to him.”

Former Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl, who spearheaded the “Adopt a Hostage” initiative, expressed last year the significance of such community involvement. “Jewish communities all around the country have told us they want to do something to help in this awful situation,” she said. “This is a way in which they can keep the names of the hostages in the public consciousness and provide support to their loved ones.”

The Staines community, which has had an established Orthodox presence for over 80 years, rallied around this cause. 

Brenner said: “Everybody at our shul has been so concerned about Omer and is filled with joy that he has been released, and we hope all the others are released soon.”