Rescued Hostages Meet Family of Hero Who Died Trying to Save Them
Released hostages Omar Shem Tov and siblings Maya and Itay Regev met with the family of the late Ori Danino in Herzliya. Danino returned to the Nova festival on October 7 to save them before being abducted and murdered in Gaza.
Released hostages Omar Shem Tov, Maya Regev, and Itay Regev met with the family of the late Ori Danino in Herzliya on Thursday. Danino returned to the Nova music festival site on October 7 to rescue the three before being abducted to the Gaza Strip, where he was murdered in Hamas captivity.
The emotional meeting took place during a memorial ceremony for the victims of the Nova festival and Danino at the "Dancers' Square" in Herzliya, attended by Danino's father, Rabbi Elchanan Danino, and Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fischer. Since the October 7 attacks, the square has served as a central gathering point for residents and a venue for rallies demanding the return of the hostages.
A Journey Back to the Square
Maya Regev, who was released from Hamas captivity, shared her emotions upon returning to the square. "As soon as I got here, suddenly seeing the police and all of you sent me right back to those weeks when we used to come here after Itay and I returned, fighting for Omar and all the other hostages," she said. "Suddenly, with all of us here, it takes on a different meaning. This square, which was a symbol of hope and prayers, is now becoming a place of memory and commemoration."
Her brother, Itay Regev, recounted the moment Ori Danino decided to return to the party area to assist them, despite not knowing them previously. "We did not really know Ori," Itay said. "When the missiles and shooting started, Omar got a call from Ori, who said: 'I am coming back to get you. Send me your location.'"
Itay described how Danino managed the high-stress situation while driving at high speeds and maintaining composure. "When I returned after 54 days, it was very important for me to know who Ori was—a person who returned to the inferno to save me, Maya, and Omar, even though he did not know us," he added.
A Father's Tribute
Rabbi Elchanan Danino thanked the residents of Herzliya for their enduring support for the families of hostages. Noting that his son was 25 when he was murdered in captivity, the father reflected on Ori's humility. Addressing the three survivors standing by his side, he said, "Every time people ask me if it pinches my heart, I tell them that you are a living miracle, not a pang of pain."
"Ori had a mission in life," Rabbi Danino concluded. "His mission apparently ended on that bitter day when he was murdered along with five others in Tel Sultan in Gaza. But before that, he did not forget to return to the inferno and try to bring your city's residents home. I wish you long and happy lives; you are a walking miracle."
