Freed Hostage Omer Wenkert to Herzog Hostages Shouldn’t Be Political

In a deeply moving meeting at the President’s Residence, freed hostage Omer Wenkert urged Israelis and their leaders to rise above politics and act urgently to secure the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Wenkert, who was kidnapped from a bomb shelter near the Nova Music Festival in Kibbutz Re’im on October 7, spent over a year in Hamas captivity before his release in February.

Sitting alongside his parents, Omer met with President Isaac Herzog to discuss his experience and the urgent need for national action. “Your presence here is a message of hope,” Herzog said, emphasizing that Omer’s return serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination. “To encourage those still held captive, to cry out on their behalf, to pray, and to do everything possible to bring every one of them home, as soon as possible.”

But Wenkert made one thing clear this is not a political issue.

“First and foremost, it is our duty as a people and as a state to bring all our people back,” he said. “They don’t have time.”

His mother, Niva, added “Not one more minute. Let’s save them. Let’s save ourselves so we can truly begin to rise again.”

His father, Shai, emphasized that their family’s mission is far from over. “Until the last hostage is returned, Omer will continue to testify to what he endured in captivity. We are part of the most important struggle in the State of Israel bringing all the hostages home.”

Their words carry the weight of experience, urgency, and moral clarity. The Wenkert family’s courage is a rallying cry for all of Israel: to set aside division and remember the sacred responsibility of protecting every Jewish life.

Help amplify their voices by sharing this message, and subscribe to our newsletter for continued updates on the efforts to bring our hostages home.