Former hostage Omer Wenkert details harrowing abuse in Hamas captivity: "They made me bark like a dog"

Omer Wenkert, a former hostage who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 505 days, has shared a chilling testimony of the inhumane treatment he endured during his captivity. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal and Kan 11 News, Wenkert revealed the brutal regime of psychological and physical torture he faced, including being forced to “sit like a dog and bark” for 24 hours straight. “They told me, ‘You’ll stay like this for 24 hours. Don’t move. If you need to pee – pee on yourself. Like a dog,’” Wenkert recounted, describing the horrifying humiliation he was subjected to.

Wenkert also detailed the violence he experienced, including frequent beatings, lack of food, and inadequate sanitation. He was confined in a narrow concrete corridor, sealed behind a blast door, and often left isolated for up to 200 days. “I feared I was losing my mind,” he confessed. To maintain his sanity, he resorted to pacing the corridor, singing Israeli rap songs, and reciting Psalm 23.

In his post-release advocacy efforts for the remaining hostages, Wenkert has met with the families of two fellow captives, Guy Gilboa Dalal and Evyatar David, who were also abducted during the October 7 massacre and are still being held by Hamas. According to Wenkert, these hostages are confined to a corridor just one meter wide, constantly under surveillance, with lights on 24/7 and forbidden from moving, sleeping, or even approaching the door.

He expressed grave concern about their situation, noting that Dalal and David, along with other captives, were subjected to severe interrogations, tied up, blindfolded, and forced to face a wall for 34 days. Wenkert also emphasized the shocking treatment they were subjected to, including limited access to food and water, with only 375 milliliters of water per day and minimal sustenance. Wenkert has since urged Israeli and international leaders to do everything in their power to prioritize the safe return of these hostages. “This cannot continue. The world must not forget them,” he said passionately.