First Lady Hosts Freed American Israeli Hostage at the White House

Melania Trump played a key role in helping free Keith Siegel, who was released on Feb. 1, 2025.
Emel Akan
Emel Akan
Senior Reporter
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WASHINGTON—First Lady Melania Trump on Feb. 4 hosted freed long-time American Israeli hostage Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva Siegel, in the White House.

Both of the Siegels were taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist group during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, from their home in the Kfar Aza kibbutz, one of the hardest-hit communities. Aviva Siegel was released in November 2023, and Keith Siegel remained in captivity until Feb. 1, 2025.
Emel Akan
Emel Akan
Senior Reporter
Emel Akan is a senior White House correspondent for The Epoch Times, where she covers the policies of the Trump administration. Previously, she reported on the Biden administration and the first term of President Trump. Before her journalism career, she worked in investment banking at JPMorgan. She holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
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