The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 644 - Former hostage Keith Siegel on wanting to be hopeful
Urgency to Save All Hostages
- Keith feels a strong connection to all 50 hostages, including those he didn't know personally.
- He emphasizes the urgency of saving both the living hostages and deceased for proper burial.
Inside the Horrific Reality of Hamas Captivity from Former Hostage Keith Siegel
Keith Siegel shares vivid and harrowing testimony of the torture and abuse he witnessed while held hostage by Hamas.
He recounts witnessing a female hostage brutally beaten and threatened with a metal rod and a pistol, and describes life-threatening conditions suffered by hostages like Matan Angrist, including severe injuries and neglect.
Despite the trauma, Siegel emphasizes his deep connection to the remaining 50 hostages and his urgent mission to advocate for their release, highlighting the ongoing risk to their lives.
He also reveals the emotional struggle of coping with captivity memories while trying to support families and push Israeli leadership toward a final ceasefire and hostage release.
Siegel stresses the importance of bringing all hostages home, living or deceased, to provide proper closure and healing for everyone affected.
Harrowing Torture Witnessed in Captivity
- Keith Siegel witnessed severe torture of a female hostage using a metal rod and a pistol threat.
- He recalls helplessness, stating he did what he was told but struggles with not being able to stop it.