Released American hostage says Trump is 'the reason I am home alive'
Share and Follow

American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel has released a video message heaping praise on President Donald Trump after he was freed from captivity by the terrorist group Hamas two weeks ago.

Siegal, 65, and two other hostages were released on Feb. 1 after being held in what he described as “unimaginable conditions” following a ceasefire deal brokered between Hamas, the U.S. and Israel.  

“President Trump, you are the reason I am home alive,” Siegel said in the video, posted by Fox News’ Trey Yingst.

Keith Siegel and President Donald Trump

American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel, left, has released a video message heaping praise on President Donald Trump, right, after he was freed from captivity by the terrorist group Hamas two weeks ago. (OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images, left, Joe Raedle/Getty Images, right. )

Siegel, who began his video by declaring his love for country music and pancakes on Saturdays, spoke of the horrors he endured while being held by the terrorist group.

“When I was in Gaza, I lived in constant fear, fear for my life and for my personal safety,” Siegel said. 

“I was starved and I was tortured, both physically and emotionally. When the war intensified, the terrorists who held me treated me even worse than usual. Terrorists kicked me, spat on me, and held me with no water, no light and no air to breathe.”

Keith Siegel

American-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel being released on Feb. 1 surrounded by Hamas militants. (OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images)

“I’m a survivor. I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions. Every single day felt like it could be my last. 

Siegel and his wife, Aviva, settled in Kibbutz Kfar Aza after emigrating there. 

He had been held in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, when the married couple were kidnapped from their home during the Hamas massacre where thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel and slaughtered around 1,200 people and abducted 251 people, sparking the war in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded President Donald Trump’s leadership when asked who should take credit for the ceasefire deal. Both Biden and Trump have claimed credit for the ceasefire deal. 

“I think President Trump had a great force and powerful leadership to this effort. I appreciate it,” Netanyahu responded. “He sent a very good emissary. He’s helped a lot. And, you know, 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.” 

Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments

Unraveling 2025’s Biggest Crime Mysteries: Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death, Idaho Murders Plea, and Karen Read Verdict

The year 2025 was marked by a series of gripping crime stories…
Creative Cypher enters new era with first woman president of the entertainment powerhouse company, Cindy Beasley

Creative Cypher Breaks New Ground: Cindy Beasley Appointed as First Female President

CHICAGO (WLS) — Riding high on the success of two Emmy nominations,…
Here's how to watch Patriots vs. Jets live for free

Stream Patriots vs. Jets Live: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching for Free!

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Grandma who beat cancer five times is gunned down on Christmas Day

Tragic Christmas Day: Inspirational Grandma, Cancer Survivor, Fatally Shot

Tragically, a seasoned survivor who had conquered cancer five times lost her…
DC pipe bomb suspect confessed to planting  explosives

DC Pipe Bomb Suspect Admits to Planting Explosives: Details Revealed

A Virginia man has admitted to placing pipe bombs outside the Republican…
Father speaks out after ex-wife was seen at airport fleeing US

Father Breaks Silence: Ex-Wife Caught Fleeing America at Airport Sparks Controversy

A father has expressed his shock after discovering that his ex-wife was…
FBI gives update on daycare accused of $4M taxpayer fraud

FBI Unveils Latest Developments in $4 Million Taxpayer Fraud Case Involving Daycare Facility

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced an intensified effort to tackle fraud…
Ski patrol staffer dies in avalanche at popular California resort

Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Ski Patrol Staffer at Renowned California Resort

A ski patroller tragically lost his life after being engulfed by an…