Freed Hostage Keith Siegel Draws Closer To Yiddishkeit During and After Captivity

Keith Siegel, who was freed after a year and four monthsin Hamas captivity, shared that the experience brought him closer to Torah and mitzvos.

Speaking on Kol Barama Radio Wednesday morning, Siegel described the bonds formed with fellow hostages. “I was held in captivity with Gali and Ziv Berman from Kibbutz Aza; we shared a special bond. I also met Omri Miran and Matan Angrest after more than two months; his wounds still hadn’t healed. We experienced abuse, but we became stronger together.”

Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Siegel admitted that as a teenager he felt disconnected from Judaism, but that changed in captivity. “As a teenager, Judaism didn’t speak to me, but in captivity, I reconnected,” he said.

“Some prayers I remembered from my childhood, and we taught each other some of the pesukim and brachot. I said Shema Yisrael every day and made blessings over my food. Since my release, I’ve continued this spiritual strengthening,” Siegel explained.

Like many other freed hostages, Siegel revealed that his captors attempted to convert him to Islam during his imprisonment.

“I was moved through 33 places—tunnels, schools, apartments, even stairwells—and throughout the entire period, they tried to convince me to convert to Islam,” he recalled. “They told me to repeat phrases I didn’t understand. But the more they pushed me to become a Muslim, the more it strengthened my feeling that I am part of the Jewish people, who have endured so much suffering.”

Drawing inspiration from Jewish history, Siegel found inner strength through tefillah. “I drew great strength from all the Jews who suffered through the generations. That’s when I began to make brachot and pray — and it really gave me strength.”

Siegel added that the unity and support of the Jewish people gave him encouragement throughout his ordeal. “I’m fighting for my four friends [still held captive], and not just for them, but for all the hostages. The rallies and campaigns that were held in Israel, I saw when I was in Gaza and it helped to know that I wasn’t forgotten. That also strengthens the families who need support.”

Closing his remarks, Siegel expressed hope that public pressure will push Israel’s leadership to act. “I hope the voice of the majority reaches the Prime Minister and decision-makers. We have a chance to save lives and bring the fallen to a proper burial.”