Keith Siegel, released two weeks ago from Hamas captivity through the hostage-prisoners exchange agreement, released a video message Friday directed at President Donald Trump, describing his grueling 484-day ordeal in captivity. "Every day felt like it could be my last," Siegel said, whose wife Aviva was also taken hostage and freed in an earlier exchange.
Video: Former hostage Keith Seigel calls on President Trump to enforce the ceasefire. Credit: Hostages and Missing Families Forum
"My name is Keith Siegel, I'm a 65-year-old American citizen," he began, offering a poignant glimpse of his pre-captivity life. "I love country music and panckaes on Saturday morning. But that was my previous life. Since February 1, I am a newly released Hamas hostage. I am a survivor."
Speaking directly to the president, Siegel expressed profound gratitude: "You are the reason I am home, alive, reunited with my beloved wife, four children, and five grandchildren. Thank you for your continued fight against terror and for your bold leadership that has brought me and many others back home to our families, to safety, and to security."
Siegel then detailed the brutal conditions of his captivity: "In Gaza, I lived in constant fear for my life and for my safety. I was starved and I was tortured both physically and emotionally. When the war intensified, the terrorists treated me even worse than usual – they kicked me, spat on me, and held me with no water, no light, and no air to breathe."
Emphasizing the urgency of presidential intervention, Siegel continued: "Mr. President, once again your leadership, power, and authority are necessary to enforce the ceasefire and put an end to the unnecessary daily dangers to the lives of both innocent hostages and civilians. Your leadership and strength will ensure the agreement is honored by all sides. That is what will allow all 76 hostages to return home to their families."
He concluded with a heartfelt plea: "I trust in your strength and leadership, Mr. President. The helpless hostages, in the dark, cold tunnels in Gaza, trust you too. Please, bring them home."
