Who is Keith Siegel? Family embraces American hostage during emotional homecoming from Gaza

Keith Siegel, 65, is an Israeli-American who was held hostage for 484 days in Hamas. After fighting drastic conditions for over a year, Siegel was freed and returned home on February 1, 2025. His family has been celebrating his emotional homecoming.

Keith is an American citizen who was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In his early 20s, he moved to Israel and settled there after starting a life with his wife, Aviva Siegel. According to Aviva's note in The Atlantic, Keith is an occupational therapist who worked for a pharmaceutical company. They lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza and enjoyed their lives with the next generation: four children and five grandchildren.

Aviva mentioned how she and her husband spent their lives supporting the community.

In 2023, Keith Siegel and Aviva Siegel were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Aviva mentioned that she and her family were seeking shelter in their safe room when 15 gun-wielding terrorists walked into their home, through a door they had thought was locked.

"Keith put his head on his knees and covered his head with his arms; they fired a bullet through his hand and blood was everywhere. I screamed with a force I had never known before. Soon, the terrorists dragged us to Keith’s car. All around us were scenes of fire, violence, and death," she added.

Aviva further revealed that she and Keith were held hostage at different locations, including private homes and tunnels. Aviva was freed in November 2023 after being held for 51 days.

Hamas had initially released women and children hostages. They kept the male hostages and are releasing them as a part of the ceasefire deal. Keith Siegel returned to Israel on Saturday, wrapped in the Israeli flag.

Keith Siegel's family pens a statement after his homecoming

The Siegel family is elated to have Keith Siegel back. In a statement, according to ynetnews.com, his children expressed their relief:

"At this moment, our father sets foot on Israeli soil, and we are overwhelmed with indescribable emotion. After 484 long, terrifying days filled with immense worry, we can finally breathe. We thank the Israeli and U.S. governments for making this deal happen—one that prioritizes human life and Jewish and Israeli values."

"Our father was cruelly taken from his home, and today he returns. As citizens, it is our duty to ensure that every hostage is brought back—those still alive to their families and those murdered to be laid to rest on Israeli soil," the statement added.

Keith's family is now focused on advocating for all the hostages held in Hamas. They have shared how several Israeli citizens were being held hostage in miserable conditions.