Former Hostage Aviva Siegel Recounts Ordeal Under Hamas Captivity
Aviva Siegel, aged 63, recently shared the terror she faced while being held hostage by Hamas terrorists after being kidnapped from her home in southern Israel.
According to the Christian Post, Her husband Keith remains captive following their abduction on October 7, 2023.
The nightmare began when Hamas militants stormed their residence in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during a missile attack. This community, located near Gaza, frequently faces such security threats. Aviva and Keith Siegel had just left their bomb shelter, mistakenly believing the danger had passed when the terrorists broke into their home.
Details Of The Harrowing Kidnapping
Keith Siegel sustained severe injuries during the incident. He suffered broken ribs and a gunshot wound to his hand, escalating the severity of their situation. The siege led to both being taken into the captivity of Hamas, initiating a period of profound hardship and fear.
During her recent talks, Aviva vividly recalled the initial moments of the kidnapping. "It was very difficult for me to understand at the beginning what I was doing in Gaza in my pajamas,” she explained. The couple has long advocated for peace, making the brutal attack even more shocking.
Hostage Situation Under Hamas Captivity
Once in captivity, Aviva described being shuffled among 13 different locations, including being held in a dilapidated school at one point. Her recount of the physical and emotional abuse they endured highlighted the cruelty of their captors. “They took us from this world,” she recounted, emphasizing how the terrorists denied them the freedom to even express their emotions.
Aviva's narratives about the fleeting moments during the capture are chilling. “I remember running back to the little shelter, looking at Keith in his eyes, and saying, 'What's happening? It feels like the end of the world,’” she shared. The uncertainty and fear were palpable in her recounting.
Impact Of The Attack On The Kibbutz Community
Hamas militants escalated their actions on October 7 by killing over 60 members of the Kfar Aza community and taking more than 250 people hostage, including the Siegels. This larger attack claimed nearly 1,200 lives, marking one of the grimmest days in the region’s ongoing conflict.
The couple’s daughter, Elan, and her children were vacationing away from home during the attack. They lost all communication with Aviva and Keith, sparking immense fear and concern for their safety. “Around 10 a.m., we stopped receiving messages from them,” Elan recounted, describing the terrifying hours of uncertainty.
Aviva Siegel’s Advocacy For Hostages
After her release during a temporary ceasefire, Aviva began traveling globally, advocating for the release of her husband and other hostages still held by Hamas. She aims to draw international attention to the plight of those in captivity and the ongoing violence affecting civilian lives.
Aviva Siegel has inspired many worldwide by sharing her story, which highlights the human aspect of geopolitical conflicts that often reduce individuals to mere statistics. Through her advocacy, she seeks not only the return of her beloved husband but also the promotion of a broader dialogue about peace and reconciliation.
Aviva and Keith Siegel's ordeal underscores the atrocities of war and the resilience of those who endure them. As Aviva continues to speak out, she delivers a heartfelt plea for humanity and peace in a region long devastated by conflict.