Former Hamas Hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel Find New Meaning in Yom Kippur Fast

Former Hamas hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, who were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, are approaching Yom Kippur with a renewed perspective after their ordeal. Aviva spent 51 days in captivity, while Keith endured 484 days. Both experienced severe hunger, thirst, and physical and psychological abuse during their detention.

This year, Aviva Siegel has decided not to fast on Yom Kippur. She explained that the forced deprivation of food and water during her captivity has fundamentally altered her relationship with both eating and the holiday. For her, the ability to choose whether or not to fast is now the most important aspect, representing a reclamation of the basic freedoms that were stolen from her. Keith Siegel shares this view, emphasizing that Yom Kippur's essence lies in introspection and self-examination, known as 'heshbon nefesh,' rather than solely in physical fasting.

During his captivity, Keith Siegel recounted that his captors repeatedly pressured him to convert to Islam. These attempts, however, strengthened his Jewish identity and led him to pray more frequently, drawing strength from Jewish history and the resilience of survivors of past persecutions. He felt a responsibility to survive in memory of those who did not have the chance.

Since their release, the Siegels, both in their late 60s, have relocated to Gazit and are rebuilding their lives near their daughters and grandchildren. They are actively involved with the organization '255,' which supports former hostages and their families. They aim to share their story to ensure their experiences are not forgotten, highlighting that while they have returned to daily life, the internal wounds remain deep. For them, Yom Kippur has transformed from a day of deprivation into a celebration of regained freedom and the ability to make their own choices.