From Captivity to the Coast: Omer and Liam Fulfill their Dream

After being released in the most recent hostage deal, Omer Wenkert fulfilled a simple but powerful dream he had shared with his close friend Liam Or Nassar—to go to the beach.

The Big Plan Was: Once We’re Out, We Go to the Sea

In an emotional Instagram post shared Wednesday, Omer and Liam are seen basking in the sun by the sea, soaking in freedom after months of unimaginable hardship. Omer reflected on their shared dream, writing: “Liam and I met on October 7th, deep inside Hamas’s tunnels. We constantly clung to the hope of freedom. Our big plan was—once we’re out, we go to the sea. On November 29, Liam was released as part of the first hostage deal. He asked me, ‘What should I do now?’ I smiled and said, ‘Go to the sea.’ But he insisted on waiting for me—and I’m so glad we could be here together. Today, 483 days later, our moment finally came.”

Omer and Liam at the beach | Screenshot via Omer Wenkert’s Instagram

Now I’m Waiting for My Moment with Evyatar and Guy

Omer ended his post with a hopeful message: “And now? Now I’m waiting for my moment with Evya (Evyatar) and Guy. I’m waiting for you at home, my brothers. Everyone home—now.”

Liam’s Prayer Came True

Liam, a resident of Kibbutz Re’im, was kidnapped on October 7 while visiting family in Kibbutz Be’eri. His cousins Alma and Noam, along with his uncle Dror, were also abducted. Alma and Noam were released on November 25, while Liam was freed on November 29.

In May 2024, Kibbutz Be’eri was informed that Dror had been murdered during the October 7 attack and that his body remains in Hamas custody. After his release, Liam said, “I’m praying for my friend Omer’s freedom,” adding, “I’m just waiting to see him again.”