Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old American-Israeli from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has spoken outabout his harrowing 484-day captivity under Hamas after being taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. In a video statement, Siegel described the brutal treatment he endured, the fear that consumed him daily, and his gratitude towards former President Donald Trump for his role in securing his release.

A Nightmare in Captivity

Siegel and his wife, Aviva, were among the many civilians captured by Hamas on October 7. While Aviva was freed a month later, Keith remained in captivity for nearly 16 months until a delicate ceasefire agreement led to his release on February 1, 2025.

“I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions. Every single day felt like it could be my last. Terrorists kicked me, spat on me, and held me with no water, no light, and no air to breathe.”

In his video statement, Siegel expressed deep appreciation for President Donald Trump, who had been in office for less than two weeks at the time of his release. “President Trump, you are the reason I am home alive. You are the reason I was 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 urged the former president to continue using his influence to push for a lasting ceasefireand to ensure the safety of remaining hostages and civilians still caught in the conflict.