“I Love Country Music and Eating Pancakes on Saturday Mornings”
“My name is Keith Siegel,” began the former hostage. “I am a 65-year-old American citizen. I love country music and eating pancakes on Saturday mornings. But that was my life before. Since February 1, I have been a freed Hamas hostage. I am a survivor. I was held for 484 days in unimaginable conditions, and every day felt like it could be my last.”
Watch Siegel’s Message to Trump in English:
“President Trump, You Are the Reason I Am Home and Alive”
Siegel expressed his deep gratitude to Trump, whom he credited as instrumental in securing his release:
“President Trump, you are the reason I am home and alive. Thanks to you, I have been reunited with my beloved wife, my four children, and my five grandchildren. Thank you for your continued fight against terrorism and for your courageous leadership, which brought me and many others home—to our families, to safety, and to peace.”
He went on to describe the inhumane conditions he endured in captivity in Gaza, including torture, starvation, and cruelty at the hands of his captors:
“In Gaza, I lived in constant fear—for my life and for my safety. I was starved and tortured physically and mentally. As the war intensified, my captors treated me even more brutally. They kicked me, spat on me, and kept me without water, without light, and without air.”
“I Believe in Your Strength and Leadership, Mr. President”
“Mr. President, your leadership, strength, and authority are essential to enforcing a ceasefire and ending the unnecessary daily dangers to the lives of the hostages and innocent civilians. Your leadership and power will ensure that the agreement is honored by all sides. That is what will bring all 76 remaining hostages back home to their families.”
Concluding his message, Siegel said: “I believe in your strength and leadership, Mr. President. The helpless hostages, held in the cold and dark tunnels of Gaza, believe in you too. Please, bring them home.”
