Trump's election win filled Hamas with 'fear,' hostage held like 'slave' for 505 days recounts
Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli who spent 505 days as a hostage of Hamas, described the fear and anxiety he observed among his captors following Donald Trump's election victory in November 2024. During his captivity, Shem Tov was forced to work in Hamas's tunnel system, but noted a shift in his treatment after the election, including improved rations, as the group appeared to anticipate significant changes. Released in February 2025, he expressed gratitude toward Trump for his efforts in securing hostages' freedom and fostering peace in the region, as a cease-fire was established following Trump's 20-point peace plan. Shem Tov has since maintained close ties with fellow survivors, viewing them as family.
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Shem Tov was kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during a music festival in Israel when Hamas launched a surprise attack, resulting in numerous casualties.
While in captivity, he spent five months in a tunnel system where he performed laborious tasks, such as digging and moving supplies, and primarily survived on small biscuits, although Hamas had access to substantial food supplies.
He learned about the U.S. election through Al Jazeera broadcasts overheard in the tunnels, where he noted the terrorists expressed a preference for Kamala Harris to win.
After Trump's election, Shem Tov reported a notable change in his treatment by the captors, including better food and a perceived preparation for 'something bigger.'
Shem Tov marked his 21st birthday in captivity, reflecting on his family's worry over his fate and breaking down emotionally for the first time.
Following his release in February 2025, Shem Tov met Trump in the Oval Office, expressing deep gratitude for Trump's role in advocating for hostages and stating he felt Trump was divinely sent to help Israel.
The current cease-fire between Israel and Gaza follows Trump's September 2025 peace plan, which mandated the release of all hostages, with only one remaining unaccounted for.