Keith Siegel, a Chapel Hill native, was released by Hamas two weeks ago after being held hostage for over 480 days in Gaza. His sister Lucy revealed that her family endured fear and anxiety while waiting for his release, but Keith chose to survive through mental strength rather than succumbing to negativity.
Keith was kidnapped along with his wife Aviva on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack on Israel’s borders. He faced extreme conditions, including torture, lack of sanitation, food, and water. Despite this, he managed to keep track of time by repeating the day of the week, month, and year to himself daily.
Lucy said Keith would often have imaginary conversations with his loved ones, including Aviva and their children, as well as his mother who had passed away before his captivity. His family’s decision not to tell their mother about Keith’s situation before she died is a personal one that Lucy doesn’t regret, citing the pain of losing a child.
Now that Keith has been released, his family is ready to move forward with hope and positivity. Lucy expressed her gratitude for the people who care and love in the world, aiming to stay on the side of optimism rather than fear. Keith and Aviva plan to visit Chapel Hill at some point.
Source: https://www.wral.com/news/local/keith-siegel-sister-reunion-hamas-captivity-chapel-hill-feb-2025