Former Gaza hostages speak about Yom Kippur after captivity — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, former hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, who were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, spoke about their attitude toward Yom Kippur after captivity in Gaza. As the Jerusalem Post reports, the ability to decide for themselves whether to observe the fast has taken on special significance for the couple.
Aviva Siegel spent 51 days in captivity, while Keith Siegel spent 484 days. According to their previous testimonies, while being held they were starved, denied water, and subjected to physical and psychological torture. The couple lost their home, and at least 60 people from their community were killed.
Choice instead of coercion
Aviva Siegel said that she will not fast this year. She explained that in captivity she was deprived of the ability to decide when, what, and with whom to eat. According to her, after what she endured, she perceives fasting differently and does not want to voluntarily give up food.
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Keith Siegel stressed that voluntary fasting cannot be compared with starvation in captivity. In his view, the meaning of Yom Kippur lies not only in abstaining from food, but above all in self-reflection and a spiritual assessment of the year. He said that he can observe this day meaningfully without fasting.
Faith and family
Keith Siegel also said that captivity changed his attitude toward Jewish identity and faith. He often prayed, recited blessings, and thought about Holocaust victims and other tragedies in the history of the Jewish people. According to him, the people holding him captive repeatedly tried to persuade him to convert to Islam, which made him reflect more on his own faith.
After their release, the couple settled near their daughters, Shir and Elan, and their grandchildren. The Siegels spend Friday evenings with their family and have joined the activities of Organization 255, which supports former hostages and their families. They also continue to speak about what they experienced and emphasize the need for long-term support for people who returned from captivity.
