American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel has released a deeply emotional and heartfelt video message in which he praises former President Donald Trump for his role in securing Siegel’s release from captivity. Siegel, a 65-year-old man who was held hostage by the terrorist group Hamas, was freed on February 1, 2024, along with two other hostages, after being subjected to what he described as “unimaginable conditions.” His release came as part of a ceasefire deal brokered between Hamas, Israel, and the United States. In the video, which was widely shared by Fox News’ Trey Yingst, Siegel expresses his gratitude to Trump, crediting him for his safe return home.
“President Trump, you are the reason I am home alive,” Siegel declares in the video. “You are the reason I was reunited with my beloved wife, four children, and five grandchildren.” Siegel goes on to thank Trump for his “continued fight against terror” and for his “bold leadership” in bringing him and others back to their families. He also calls on Trump to ensure that the ceasefire agreement is upheld, emphasizing the importance of Trump’s leadership in enforcing the deal and securing the release of all remaining hostages. “Your leadership and strength will ensure the agreement is honored by all sides,” Siegel says. “That is what will allow all 76 hostages to return home to their families.”
Siegel’s powerful words come just weeks after his release from nearly 17 months of captivity. He and his wife, Aviva, were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, during a brutal Hamas-led attack in southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Siegel’s description of his time in captivity is harrowing. He speaks of living in constant fear for his life, being starved, and enduring physical and emotional torture. “When the war intensified, the terrorists who held me treated me even worse than usual,” he recounts. “They kicked me, spat on me, and held me with no water, no light, and no air to breathe.”
Despite the horrors he endured, Siegel describes himself as a survivor. “I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions,” he says. “Every single day felt like it could be my last.” His resilience and determination to survive are evident in his message, as is his deep gratitude for the efforts of those who worked to secure his release. Siegel’s video begins with a personal touch, as he mentions his love for country music and pancakes on Saturdays, a small but poignant reminder of the simple joys he was deprived of during his captivity. He also references the yellow pin he wore during the recording, a symbol of solidarity with the hostages still being held by Hamas. The yellow pin has become a widely recognized emblem of hope for the safe return of those captured by Hamas, and it has also been used historically to support deployed soldiers.
The ceasefire deal that led to Siegel’s release was reached on January 15, 2024, just days before Trump took office. The agreement followed a meeting between Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump has been vocal about his role in the negotiations, and earlier this week, he issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if all hostages were not released by Saturday at noon, “let hell break out.” While the exact details of the negotiations remain unclear, Trump’s leadership has been widely credited by both Siegel and Netanyahu as a key factor in securing the ceasefire.
Netanyahu has also praised Trump’s involvement in the ceasefire deal. When asked whether President Biden should take credit for the agreement, Netanyahu responded with admiration for Trump’s leadership. “I think President Trump had a great force and powerful leadership in this effort,” Netanyahu said. “He sent a very good emissary. He’s helped a lot. And I’ll just tell you, I’m happy that they’re here. And I’m sure the president is happy that they’re here. And I would think that’s about enough.” Netanyahu’s comments reflect the broader debate over who deserves credit for the ceasefire, with both Trump and Biden claiming some level of involvement. However, for Siegel, the politics of the situation are secondary to the fact that he is now safely reunited with his family. As he so movingly puts it, “Mr. President, the helpless hostages in the dark, cold tunnels in Gaza also trust you. Please bring them home.”
