Hamas releases video footage of hostage Siegel, an NC native

Hamas released footage over the weekend of Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel, who was kidnapped by the terrorist group during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Siegel was shown in a video on Saturday, along with Omri Miran, another hostage. This was the first time both men had been seen since the attacks.

It is unclear when the edited three-minute video was shot, but Siegel mentions the Passover holiday, indicating it might be more recent.

Speaking in Hebrew, Siegel, 64, spoke directly to his family, letting them know he was okay, but later shows him crying, putting his head in his hands. 

According to The Times of Israel, both men said they were hoping for a hostage deal that would see them and other hostages returned home.

In a video response by Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Adrienne “Aviva” Siegel, Keith’s wife, and their two daughters reacted to the video of Keith.

“Keith, I love you; we will fight until you return,” said Aviva.

“Seeing my father today only emphasizes to all of us how much we must reach a deal as soon as possible and bring everyone home,” their daughter, Ilan, said. “I demand that the leaders of this country watch this video and see (our) father crying out for help.”

Aviva was also kidnapped along with Keith on Oct. 7. The Siegels were humanitarian workers living in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz hit particularly hard in the brutal Hamas attacks. She was among seventeen hostages released as part of a weeklong ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel on Nov. 26.

“We are encouraged to see that Keith Siegel is alive, and we once again demand that Hamas release Keith and all of the hostages immediately and unconditionally,” said North Carolina Republican US Sen. Ted Budd, who has been an advocate for the Siegels. “The release of this video for purposes of propaganda and psychological torture is further example of the true, evil nature of Hamas. We remain committed to bringing Keith and all hostages home.”

In January, Budd got a firsthand look at the devastation left by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel, along with a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East.

Earlier this month, Budd, along with US Sens. Joni Ernst, R-IA, and Rick Scott, R- FL, introduced ‘Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status Act.’ 

Soon after, the Senate blocked the invoking of unanimous consent of the bill despite an impassioned plea by Budd. The legislation would put pressure on leaders in Qatar, where leaders of Hamas have taken refuge, and possibly start the process of releasing hostages, including Siegel.

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