Itay Regev

Freed November 29, 2023

The story of Itay Regev and his sister Maya during their captivity in Gaza offers a stark glimpse into the harrowing experiences of the hostages in Gaza. The siblings' ordeal began in the chaos of the Nova music festival, which quickly turned into a nightmare as terrorists stormed the event, leading to the shooting and abduction of Itay, Maya, and their friend, Omer Shem Tov.

Itay, only 18 at the time, was shot during the attack. It was only after arriving in Gaza that his wound was addressed: without anesthesia, Itay's vivid description of a "scared and sweaty doctor" removing the bullet from his leg under the threat of death if he made any noise underscores the brutality and fear that characterized his captivity.

Itay was not with his sister during much of their captivity. He and Omer Shem Tov were moved several times in Gaza, once disguised as Muslim women to avoid detection. Itay and Omer were separated just prior to Itay's release; Omer remains in captivity.