Freed hostages praise Donald Trump for saving their lives
- Former Israeli hostages expressed their gratitude to President Donald Trump for his role in the hostage crisis resolution.
- Keith Siegel and Iair Horn shared their harrowing experiences of captivity and the hope they found in Trump's election.
- The ex-hostages called for further action to secure the release of remaining captives held by Hamas.
In December 2023, in Israel, former hostages held by Hamas expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump during a National Republican Congressional Committee event. Keith Siegel, an Israeli-American who was held for nearly 16 months, emphasized that his release was a direct result of Trump's prioritization of the hostage crisis. His wife, Aviva, who was also kidnapped and released in the same hostage deal, echoed his sentiments, stating how Trump was instrumental in bringing her husband home. Another former hostage, Iair Horn, who spent 498 days in captivity, recalled how he felt an unexpected sense of hope upon learning of Trump's election victory in 2024, asserting that it made a significant difference in their plight. Horn further mentioned that he and other former captives are advocating for additional efforts from Trump to secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages still held by Hamas, highlighting their dire situation and the critical need for intervention. The impact of the election on their mood during captivity showcased the psychological strain hostages endure while relying on political developments for a glimpse of hope and eventual freedom.