The Interview Released Israeli hostage Keith Siegel: I pray for peace
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Jul 8, 2025 Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli who endured 484 days as a hostage of Hamas, shares his harrowing journey of captivity. He recounts the extreme violence and dire conditions he faced in Gaza, shedding light on the psychological toll of his experience. Siegel emphasizes the urgent need for the remaining hostages to be freed and advocates for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. Despite the trauma, he expresses a hopeful vision for peace, drawing from his own painful ordeal and the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict.
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Witnessing Hostage Abuse
- Keith Siegel witnessed severe abuse of hostages, including a woman beaten and threatened with death while accused falsely.
- He felt helpless but deeply haunted by the incident, vowing to never forget it.
Surviving Captivity and the Urgent Call to Free Remaining Hostages
Keith Siegel shares his harrowing experience of being held captive by Hamas for nearly 500 days, recounting physical abuse such as broken ribs and being forced into suffocating tunnels with little food or water.
He witnessed extreme violence against hostages, including women being beaten and threatened at gunpoint, and describes the constant fear for his life and those of his fellow captives.
Siegel emphasizes the urgent need to secure the release of the remaining 50 hostages, many believed to still be alive, calling upon international leaders to prioritize negotiations and ceasefire agreements.
Despite his trauma, he maintains hope for peace and urges that saving lives is a sacred priority in his Jewish faith.
Brutal Physical Hardships
- Keith broke his ribs during capture and endured severe pain for weeks.
- He was held in tunnels with scarce food and water, struggling physically and mentally to survive.