The family of Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli who was recently freed from captivity, spoke publicly for the first time on Monday at Ichilov Hospital.
His daughter, Shir, spoke about the pain her father endured and the hope that kept him going. “For 484 days I spoke from every available platform, crying for help, begging that they bring my father home, and most of all dreaming of this moment,” she began. “This moment when I could stand on a small stage in the hospital in Israel and tell the entire world—my father is home. They returned him home alive.”
Shir described the torment her father faced during his captivity. “My father tells us he was held in inhuman conditions, by brutal terrorists who abused him mentally, physically, and emotionally. He hardly saw daylight, he was starved for long periods, and lost a substantial amount of weight,” she explained. She noted that he was kept in solitary confinement for extended periods and occasionally felt that he might not survive. “My father went through 484 days knowing that every moment could be the last of his life.”
Despite all he endured, Shir emphasized her father’s resilience and his deep connection to Israel. “He may have chosen to wrap himself in an Israeli flag and walk on his feet despite the weakness and pain, but inside he’s broken-hearted from what our community went through on October 7th and what the people of Israel continue to go through,” she shared. She added that upon his release, his first question was, “What can I do to bring everyone home?”
Keith’s wife, Aviva, expressed her overwhelming emotions over her husband’s return. “Today, my heart overflows with a mix of joy and gratitude. After 484 days of pain, my beloved husband, Keith, is finally back in my arms. The relief I feel is incredible. Yet, as I hold him close, my thoughts are with the 79 families who are still in agony, waiting for their loved ones’ return. All of our hearts remain broken until every single one of them is home.”
Aviva recounted the promise she had made to herself and to her husband. “When I was released from captivity, I made a promise to Keith and to myself that I would keep fighting until we saw each other again. And I did—I fought with everything I had.”
She went on to express her gratitude to the U.S. President for his role in securing Keith’s release. “Today, this reunion was made possible thanks to President Trump. Your brave actions have brought Keith back to us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. But our journey isn’t over.”
She continued, “Mr. President, you are our hope for those who are still in captivity. Our hope rests with you to make sure the next stages happen and all hostages return home. I know you will make sure that this mission continues until the very last hostage is returned to their family. The world watches, and we believe in your leadership to end this suffering.”
Aviva also acknowledged the efforts of Israel’s leadership in the ongoing process to bring hostages back. “I want to thank the government of Israel for making the brave decision to bring the hostages home. The hardest part is ahead of us, and I trust you to see this deal through because it’s the road to healing for all of us. The people of Israel have been my hope and kept me above water even in the darkest times. I will always be grateful for everything you’ve done.”
Reflecting on their relentless advocacy, Aviva explained how her family traveled the world to raise awareness. “My family and I traveled the globe, knocking on every door, and sharing our story with anyone who would listen. We never stopped believing Keith would come home. The support from people around the world—your prayers, your messages, your strong stand with us—kept us going. Now, I ask you to give that same love to the 79 still waiting. They need us; they need you. Until they are home, our mission isn’t complete.”
Siegel spoke about the psychological toll of captivity and the importance of hope. “Reflecting on my own captivity, the darkness, the fear, the unknown—I remember the hope that kept me alive. Keith went through almost 16 months of this nightmare. Keith is finally home, and now we can both start to heal together. While my family is united, I stand here for those who are still separated from their loved ones.”
She ended with a call to action, urging that efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages continue without pause. “We must not rest; we must not turn away. The 79 hostages remaining in Gaza deserve better. Until they are back, our work isn’t done. Together, we show that even in the darkest times, there is light. Our fight does not end here. Until they are all home, none of us can truly be at peace. Thank you,” she concluded.

{Matzav.com Israel}