Rev. Shaji Karackal
Phoenix, Arizona: Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli survivor kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, and held captive for 505 days (released in February 2025), delivered a powerful testimony at Turning Point USA’s America Fest conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 19, 2025.
He recounted his abduction, extreme isolation in Gaza’s terror tunnels (total darkness, starvation with minimal food like a single cracker and salty water some days, forced labor digging tunnels and moving supplies), and how he rediscovered faith through daily prayer and reciting Psalm 20 (Tehillim Chapter 20), which sustained him. The psalm starts with “In your day of danger may Yahweh answer and deliver you, and end with “The day we call on you, give us your answer!” (TPV)
The address noted that the same evil he encountered in Gaza’s tunnels is “spreading in Africa, in Europe, and yes, even here in America.”
“What I experienced was not just a personal tragedy. It is part of a much larger fight,” Shem Tov plans to say. “We have seen these same radical terrorists commit violence in Israel, in Europe, in Australia, and even here in the United States, including the recent [Nov. 26] attack in Washington, DC, where two National Guardsmen were shot.”
He thanked President Donald Trump profusely, stating that Hamas terrorists feared Trump the most; after Trump’s election, his treatment improved dramatically as captors believed Trump would force their release. Shem Tov quoted the late Charlie Kirk (“Israel is a civilized country; Hamas are savage animals”) and praised TPUSA for standing for truth and freedom. He framed the conflict as a broader fight between good and evil, warning that radical Islamic terrorism threatens Western civilization, citing attacks on Jews and Christians worldwide (including recent incidents in Australia and the U.S.).
He ended triumphantly: “I am Omer Shem Tov, and I am a free man,” emphasizing resilience, faith, and the U.S.-Israel alliance. The speech received widespread praise on social media and in conservative outlets (Fox News, Townhall, PJ Media) for its inspiration and call to defend freedom. Clips went viral on X, with users highlighting his gratitude to Trump, rediscovery of religion, and stark warning about spreading evil. This was his latest public testimony after speaking at various U.S. events post-release to advocate for remaining hostages and Israel. Here’s the link of his speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M64CCgHT-q0
