Keith Samuel Siegel, 65, returned to Israel Saturday following 484 days in Hamas captivity. After a brief stop at the Reim crossing point for an emotional reunion with his wife Aviva Siegel, who had been released in the initial hostage exchange in 2023, he was transported by helicopter to Ichilov Hospital. Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, who heads the Health Ministry's Medical Division, addressed the media regarding his return.
"Today marks a deeply emotional milestone for all of us, following countless days in an extraordinarily challenging reality," Dr. Hagar Mizrahi stated upon his arrivat in a Tel Aviv hospital. "We must remember that this is a complex situation with both medical and emotional dimensions. I strongly urge the public to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated rumors about returning hostages and to rely solely on official sources for information.
"Furthermore, I implore everyone to respect the privacy of those returning," she added. "We must remember those still held captive, who have paid an immense price as we reach this moment. We continue to hope for the swift return of all remaining hostages. Our commitment to supporting the returnees and their families remains unwavering."
Keith Siegel wraps himself with a flag upon leaving the helicopter, with his wife Aviva next to him (Reuters)
Siegel's helicopter made a symbolic pass over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv before landing at the hospital at 2:30 p.m.. In a show of resilience, he declined the offered wheelchair, choosing instead to walk under his own power.
Upon reaching Ichilov, medical staff conducted an initial examination to evaluate his condition and establish an appropriate treatment protocol. Keith refused to go on a wheelchair and instead wrapped an Israeli flag as he walked on his own from the helicopter, despite concerns of medical teams that he coul be too frail.
"Hard to process - the wedding is the next mission"
Yuval, engaged to Keith's daughter Shir Siegel, shared his thoughts: "I spoke with Shir after her video call with him. It's an overwhelming moment to process, every hostage family deserves such closure. The wedding represents our next mission, we know how thoughts of the wedding sustained both Aviva and Keith during their captivity. We're focused on this celebration, which will happen soon."
Health Ministry officials and Ichilov Medical Center leadership emphasized the delicate nature of this period for returnees and their families, calling for continued respect for the privacy and dignity of those freed from captivity. While celebrating Siegel's return, they expressed their ongoing hope for the swift liberation of all remaining hostages.
Keith Siegel meeting IDF troops upon being released from Hamas captivity (IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Siegel (65), a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was violently taken captive alongside his wife Aviva (63) during the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023. While Aviva was released after 51 days as part of the initial Nov. 2023 agreement, Keith remained in captivity – marking their last encounter. The kidnapping was brutal: the couple was forcibly removed through their safe room window, with Keith suffering broken ribs and a gunshot wound to his hand.
The couple, married for approximately 43 years, has four children: Shai (40), Gal (37), Ilan (32), and Shir (28), as well as five grandchildren. Siegel works as a pharmaceutical company representative and has two brothers abroad and one in Israel. "He is an optimistic person who served as a pillar of strength for his wife and other hostages," his family said. Aviva recounted how they supported each other in captivity, establishing an evening ritual where they would take turns sharing something positive that happened during the day.
The couple's October 7 abduction was marked by violence: they were forcibly removed through their safe room window, with Keith suffering broken ribs and a gunshot wound to his hand.
The couple was taken to Gaza in their own vehicle, where they were moved 13 times before Aviva's release in November 2023, with Keith badly injured throughout. Aviva later revealed: "For five weeks, no one could touch him. He could barely breathe or sit, yet they kept forcing him to stand." Describing their separation, she said: "He was lying on the mattress. I hugged him, we cried, I apologized for having to leave, and we said goodbye."
Siegel, who holds US citizenship, immigrated to Israel at age 21, leading to significant pressure from Washington officials for his release. News of his inclusion in the third phase of the deal first appeared on American news sites.
In an interview with Israel Hayom, Aviva detailed their terrifying capture: "They pulled us out through the window very aggressively. They pulled and pushed. They tore Keith's shirt, broke his ribs, and shot at us. Keith was wounded in the hand. We were in our pajamas, so they threw us pants and gave us sandals.
"It was incredibly fortunate, as others went barefoot and got glass in their feet. They pushed me and pulled my hair violently. Luckily, I didn't fall because I was holding onto Keith. They put us in our car and demanded the code from my husband. He refused and told me, 'Let's run.' I said, 'They'll kill us, can't you see they have rifles?'
"Even as we drove toward Gaza, he wanted to escape. One terrorist held a knife to my face, another had a rifle, and a third was driving. How could we escape? I regret that Keith didn't escape, truly regret it, because he's still there. He didn't even want to go to Kfar Aza that night. We were at a festival in Haifa, and he wanted to stay another night, but I insisted on returning home. That weighs on me. Because of his broken ribs, Keith suffered terribly for five weeks. No one could touch him. He could barely breathe or sit, yet they kept forcing him to stand."
Abducted in their own vehicle and transported to Gaza, they endured 13 relocations during their time together, with Keith severely injured. Aviva shared: "For five weeks, he was in too much pain to be touched. Breathing and sitting were tremendous struggles, yet they continuously forced him to stand." She courageously recounted their final moments: "He lay on the mattress. We embraced, shed tears, I apologized for having to leave, and bid farewell."
