A man who endured severe torture at the hands of Hamas reached out to student leaders at UCLA who criticized his recent speaking engagement on campus.
Omer Shem Tov, who was held captive for 505 days, stated, “If silencing survivors like me serves a narrative, maybe it’s time to rethink that approach.” He spoke with the California Post after his visit on April 14, which coincided with Holocaust Remembrance Day, and faced backlash from the University Undergraduate Student Association Council.
“When your perspective has to overshadow your principles, something isn’t right. Ideally, your perspective should shift instead, as principles are crucial to uphold,” he remarked.
After the event, the student association released a statement saying Shem Tov’s appearance “strengthened a narrative” and claimed the event, organized by a Jewish organization at the school, didn’t reflect Palestinian viewpoints.
“While we recognize the humanity of everyone affected by violence, we oppose the promotion of selective narratives that obscure the true nature of ongoing violence by the state,” the statement continued.
Shem Tov was kidnapped during the attack on October 7 and released in February 2025, after spending over a year and a half in the darkness of underground tunnels.
Student Association President Diego Borro admitted he wasn’t in attendance during the meeting where the statement was formulated, which passed by a narrow margin.
“I recognize that I failed in my oversight as president, and I take responsibility for this systemic issue. I will start a review of our processes for generating public statements,” Borro stated.
“I value freedom of speech and expression at our university, which I have prioritized throughout my presidency. We strive to support all student organizations hosting speakers from diverse backgrounds. Freedom of speech is one principle I will protect, no matter the topic,” he added.
Despite the criticisms from the student body, Shem Tov’s manager described his experience at UCLA as “very positive and productive,” highlighting respectful discussions, even with those holding opposing views. “I’m quite surprised by the council’s condemnation given that environment,” he said.
UCLA also issued a supportive statement regarding the event, emphasizing the themes of resilience and human dignity. The statement noted that the university’s president attended the event and mentioned plans to review the letter’s issuance, adding, “Condemning a peaceful event that shares stories of resilience in the face of suffering goes against our community’s values.”
UCLA has been under increasing scrutiny following ongoing protests about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Trump administration initiated a lawsuit against the university, seeking to restrict funding over allegations of inadequate responses to anti-Semitic harassment affecting Jewish students.
Reportedly, the Justice Department is pursuing a settlement of $1.2 billion, which includes previously suspended research grants. Approximately 9% of UCLA’s undergraduate population, or about 3,100 to 4,000 students, identifies as Jewish.
