First Lady Melania Trump hosted freed American-Israeli hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel at the White House this week, in a meeting that underscored both the human cost of terrorism and the Trump administrations role in securing the release of Americans held by Hamas.
According to One America News, the visit marked an emotional reunion that began more than a year earlier, when Melania Trump first met Aviva at Trump Tower in New York in early January 2024, shortly after Avivas release from Hamas captivity. At that time, Aviva had endured 51 days as a hostage of the terrorist organization, while her husband Keith remained imprisoned, a separation that became a central thread in Melania Trumps new film, Melania.
Following that initial encounter, the thenfirst ladyin-waiting took two books Aviva had given her about Keith to her husband, then-president-elect Donald Trump, personally briefing him on the couples ordeal. The Siegels had been abducted together and later torn apart when Aviva was freed in November 2023, leaving Keith behind in Gaza as negotiations dragged on and the Biden-era approach to the crisis failed to bring him home.
Keiths release finally came on February 1, 2025, after 484 days in captivity, as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage agreement driven by the newly installed Trump administration. The deal highlighted a more assertive American posture toward Hamas and its backers, reflecting a renewed emphasis on rescuing hostages and confronting terrorism rather than appeasing it.
At the White House gathering, Melania Trump praised Avivas courage and tenacity in advocating for her husbands freedom. Aviva was a warrior, she is a warrior. She was fighting very hard for Keith, the first lady said, before turning to Keith and adding, And I know he suffered a lot. Im happy to see you healthy, at home with your children, with your grandchildren, with your family.
When invited to speak, Keith began by expressing his appreciation to both the president and the first lady for their personal concern and moral support throughout his ordeal. I just want to mention the extraordinary mobilization in the fight for Aviva and my and all of the hostages freedom, and how it moved me deeply. And it showed us the true meaning of holding onto hope even in the most difficult moments.
Now free and marking a year since his return, Keith explained that he has chosen to channel his experience into service. Now that I have regained my freedom, and I celebrated one year of freedom this Sunday, I have committed myself to partnering with IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian aid organization, to help restore hope for others, he announced. Giving back is a crucial part of my recovery and rehabilitation process.
Both Aviva and Keith emphasized that Melania Trumps involvement did not end with a single meeting or a symbolic gesture. The couple thanked the first lady for her consistent outreach and quiet advocacy since that first encounter more than a year ago, crediting her with offering strength during some of their darkest days.
Aviva, reflecting on the long and painful journey since the October 7th attacks, spoke with evident emotion about the role Melania Trump played in sustaining her. I want to express my deepest gratitude to First Lady Melania Trump. Meeting again today feels profoundly full circle. I am endlessly grateful for Mrs. Trumps steadfast support over these painful two years, she said.
She also disclosed that she is writing a book about the Hamas assault and her time in captivity, a work she is dedicating to her children as a testament to resilience and faith under fire. Aviva added a personal note to the first lady, saying, Ill always remember the meeting with you.
Keith echoed that sentiment, stressing how much it meant to learn, after his release, of the first ladys behind-the-scenes efforts on behalf of his family and other hostages. I was deeply moved to hear from the First Lady about the meetings she held with my wife, Aviva, while I was in captivity, and about the strength and support she gave to the families of the hostages throughout that difficult journey, Keith said.
Their visit to the White House served as a reminder that American leadership matters when confronting terrorism and defending innocent lives, and that moral claritycalling Hamas what it is, a terrorist groupmust guide U.S. policy. For the Siegels, the day represented not only a homecoming but also a testament to perseverance, faith, and the kind of engaged, personal diplomacy that prioritizes hostages and their families over political theater.
Login