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.

First Lady Melania Trump (L) comforts freed American Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel at the White House on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

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.

The couple expressed gratitude to the first lady and President Donald Trump for their support during difficult times and for mobilizing efforts to free Keith Siegel and other hostages.

Melania Trump first met with Aviva Siegel in January 2025 to discuss her captive husband’s situation.

“After Aviva was freed, she called me, wanted to see me, and we set up a meeting in New York in January 2025. It was an emotional meeting,” the first lady said.

“Aviva presented me with two of Keith’s books, and when I came home that evening, I gave [them] to my husband and informed him of the situation, and I know he was fighting for all the hostages. And as we know now, all of the hostages are free and home with their families.”

First Lady Melania Trump (C) meets with freed American Israeli hostages Keith Siegel (L) and Aviva Siegel (R) at the White House on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Keith Siegel, 66, said that after regaining freedom, he dedicated himself to partnering with humanitarian aid organizations.

“Giving back is a crucial part of my recovery in the rehabilitation process,” he said.

He was emotional as he spoke and had to pause at times.

“I want to thank you for being a caring, compassionate person and for supporting and helping Aviva,” he said.

A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Keith Siegel moved to Israel at the age of 21.

Melania Trump’s efforts in helping free Keith Siegel were featured in her new documentary “Melania.”

First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Marc Beckman, producer of “Melania” and senior adviser to the first lady, said in a recent interview with The Epoch Times that the movie highlighted her first meeting with Aviva Siegel.

Beckman said it was because of the first lady’s efforts that Keith Siegel was freed.

In the documentary, Melania Trump assures Aviva Siegel that the president will secure her husband’s release. In the movie, when she begins to weep, the first lady reaches out to hug her and offer comfort.

“Aviva was a warrior. She is a warrior,” the first lady said during the White House meeting. “She was fighting very hard for Keith. And I know he suffered a lot.”

Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled the name of the Kfar Aza kibbutz. The Epoch Times regrets the error.