Freed 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 recounted suffering from hunger, thirst, and physical and psychological abuse during their detention. This year, Aviva has decided not to fast, stating that the forced deprivation of food during captivity has fundamentally altered her relationship with the holiday. She emphasizes that the ability to choose whether to fast or not is now the most important aspect, representing a reclamation of their freedom.

Keith Siegel shares this sentiment, distinguishing between voluntary fasting and forced starvation. He believes the essence of Yom Kippur lies in introspection and self-examination, known as "heshbon nefesh," rather than solely in abstaining from food. He feels he can fully observe the holiday and imbue it with deep meaning without fasting.

During his captivity, Keith also experienced a strengthening of his Jewish identity, resisting attempts by his captors to convert him to Islam. He found strength in prayer, Jewish history, and the memory of Holocaust survivors, feeling a responsibility to live for those who did not survive. Aviva's connection to Yom Kippur is rooted in childhood memories and a wartime experience in 1973, but her captivity solidified her decision not to fast again.

Since their release, the Siegels, both in their late 60s, have been living in Gazit and are focused on rebuilding their lives and supporting other former hostages. They are involved with the organization "255," which aids former captives and their families. They aim to share their story to ensure their experiences are not forgotten, acknowledging 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 power of personal choice.