Hostage Omer Wenkert will go free on Shabbat

Omer Wenkert, 23, who was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival during the October 7 Hamas attack, is among six hostages scheduled for release this Saturday, bringing hope to a family that has waited more than 500 days for his return.

The former restaurant manager's health has been a particular concern throughout his captivity. Wenkert suffers from colitis, a chronic autoimmune condition requiring regular medication, and his family has expressed grave concerns about his access to vital treatment during his time in Gaza.

Wenkert was last heard from around 6:30 AM on October 7, when he called his family reporting gunfire at the festival. He was with his friend Kim Damti, who was killed in the attack. Hamas later released footage showing Wenkert bound and on the ground in Gaza.

Prior to his capture, Wenkert managed the prestigious Nina Bianca restaurant in central Israel and was set to begin a restaurant management course at Shenkar College. The eldest of three siblings, he was also an instructor at the Young Maccabi youth movement's Gedera branch.

His family, led by parents Niva and Shai Wenkert, has been at the forefront of hostage advocacy efforts. His grandmother, Tsili Wenkert, a Holocaust survivor, has shared family recipes to raise awareness of his plight, while the family has made appeals to international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.