Omer Shem Tov, one of the 101 remaining hostages held in Gaza, marked his 22nd birthday in captivity on Thursday, spending a second year under Hamas control.
In an emotional Instagram post, his mother, Shelly Shem Tov, called on people around the world to perform acts of kindness to bring light into the world, recognizing Omer’s 391 days as a captive.
Shelly also appealed to world leaders to increase pressure on Hamas for a deal to release the remaining hostages.
Of the 250 people abducted over a year ago, about 40 were taken during the Nova Music Festival, including Omer.
Since the attack, Shelly has been active in pushing for government action, urging them to secure a deal for the hostages' release. In April, she led a demonstration in Herzliya, gathering hundreds who wore yellow and waved Israeli flags in solidarity.
“I can either take charge and lead others or become a victim,” she reflected at a recent Shabbat retreat with attack survivors. “This test we’re all going through - as painful as it is - teaches us that we’re all brothers, and this Shabbat is proof of that.”
* The Jerusalem Post contributed to this article.
