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Former Hamas hostage Omer Shem Tov honored at Fenway Park

He threw the ceremonial first pitch on Jewish Heritage Night after surviving 505 days in Hamas captivity.

Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli held captive for more than 500 days by Hamas in Gaza, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets at Fenway Park on May 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images.
Omer Shem Tov, an Israeli held captive for more than 500 days by Hamas in Gaza, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets at Fenway Park on May 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images.

Omer Shem Tov, who was abducted by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and spent 505 days in captivity, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park on Monday as the Boston Red Sox celebrated Jewish Heritage Night.

Shem Tov, 22, wore a Red Sox jersey with his name and the No. 25.

He also donned a yellow ribbon in solidarity with the estimated 58 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, and his sneakers bore the inscription “Bring them home.”

The event was part of Shem Tov’s U.S. visit, during which he spoke publicly about his ordeal and urged international efforts to secure the freedom of the remaining captives.

He was released on Feb. 22, 2025, under the terms of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

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