Description
Beyond Captivity — An Evening with Omer Wenkert
- 📅 Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
- 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
- 📍 Location: Temple Adat Elohim — 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91301
👉 This event is free with RSVP. Tickets must be requested in advance.
👉 Please plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening.
Event Description
Join us for a powerful live conversation about survival, resilience, and hope after unimaginable adversity.
Omer Wenkert will reflect on his experience as a hostage, the realities of captivity, and the profound journey of rebuilding life after trauma.
This program presents a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from a survivor and to deepen our understanding of the human impact of October 7.
What You’ll Take Away
- Survival — A firsthand account of endurance under unimaginable conditions
- Resilience — Insights into mental strength, perseverance, and hope
- Healing — Reflections on returning to life after trauma
- Awareness — A deeper understanding of the lasting human impact of October 7
About Omer Wenkert
Omer Wenkert is a survivor who was abducted from the Nova Music Festival during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
That morning, Omer attended the festival with his close friend, Kim Damti, z”l. When the attack began, they fled to a shelter near the entrance to Kibbutz Re’im. During the chaos, Omer was able to contact his parents before being abducted to Gaza by Hamas.
His family later learned of his abduction through a video released by Hamas showing Omer handcuffed in the back of a pickup truck surrounded by terrorists.
Omer was held in captivity for 505 days, most of that time underground and under inhumane conditions. For 197 days, he was held entirely alone.
Released on February 22, 2025, Omer now shares his story to honor those still held captive and to inspire audiences worldwide. His talks speak candidly about endurance, hope, and the transformative power of the human spirit—even in the darkest moments.
Registration
Those who choose to give are supporting the Hostages & Missing Family Forum and its ongoing work. Donations may be made when registering for the event.
Questions? Please call Temple Adat Elohim at (805) 497-7101.
Presented by: Temple Adat Elohim, with community support from Temple Ner Ami, Temple Etz Chaim, Temple Beth Torah, Congregation B’nai Emet, and the Jewish Community of Ojai.
Event Sponsors: Alan Carter • Carrie & Robert Glicksteen • Barbara & Sandy Greenstein • Patti & Bob Murray • Jane Parnes • Beverly & Steven Shapiro • Melanie & Howard Weisenfeld • Gerri Wissot
Date & Time
Mon, Feb 2, 2026 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue Details
Temple Adat Elohim
2420 East Hillcrest DriveThousand Oaks, California 91362
