How a Soldier’s ‘Dvar Malchus’ Reached a Hamas Tunnel

When IDF officer Yoel Elbaz left a Dvar Malchus booklet in Gaza, he had no idea that it would be picked up by Hamas operatives and given to a hostage in underground tunnels. Indeed, for Omer Shem Tov, the booklet was a source of strength, as he read it again and again.

By Anash.org reporter

For 450 days in Hamas captivity, Omer Shem Tov endured extreme conditions, spending much of his time confined in underground tunnels and even solitary confinement. Throughout his ordeal, one of the few sources of strength he had was dvar malchus booklet, which he read many times while in captivity. 

Omer’s father, Malachi Shem Tov, shared details of his son’s survival in an interview with Ynet. According to his story, about a year ago, Hamas captors found books left behind by Israeli soldiers and decided to share some with Omer. Among them was the dvar malchus booklet of Va’era 5784. Reading from the booklet gave Omer a sense of hope and encouragement in an otherwise bleak reality. 

The conditions of his captivity were severe. At one point, Omer was moved to a deep, narrow tunnel where he was locked in a tiny underground cell. He had no electricity, only a small flashlight, which often ran out of battery, leaving him in complete darkness. His food rations were reduced to just biscuits, and the water he received was salty and undrinkable. His father described how in his final days in that cell, Omer struggled to hold on both physically and mentally. 

During those difficult moments, he turned to prayer. “He prayed a lot, asking Hashem for something to change, to be moved from that place,” his father recalled. “After about 50 days, his captors came and transferred him elsewhere.”  It was during that time that they brought him the dvar malchus booklet.

Following his release, Omer’s parents were interviewed by Israel’s Channel 13, where they presented the very same dvar malchus booklet, which bore the name of the owner, Yoel Elbaz. “Omer wants to return it to him,” they said.