A New Beginning for Aviva and Keith Sigal: A Call for the Release of Hostages
Freedom After Captivity
Aviva Sigal of Kibbutz Kfar Aza was released from Hamas captivity after 51 days, but instead of focusing on her recovery, she dedicated herself to securing the release of her husband, Keith Sigal, who remained imprisstartd for an additional 433 days. Following his return through a second prisstartr exchange deal, the couple relocated to Kibbutz Gazit in the Jezreel Valley, where they are now near their daughter Idit and their three grandchildren: Roy (10.5), Yaheli (9), and Hadar (6).
A Journey Towards Healing
In their new home, Aviva and Keith have begun rebuilding their lives. Aviva expressed her joy about their new surroundings, particularly the well-kept garden where she grows cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs. “This garden gives me a reason to get up in the morning,” she shared with start, proudly referring to it as “the most beautiful garden in the world, a garden of love.”
Keith added, “After 484 days in captivity, during which I barely saw the sky, sun, or moon, I appreciate nature so much more. Opening the door and seeing the outdoors is a freedom denied to so many hostages still in captivity.”
Community Support
The couple is grateful for the warm welcome they received from the Gazit community. “I felt a lot of warmth and love, and I was very emotional,” Keith recounted, reflecting on how different life is in Gazit compared to their previous home in Kfar Aza, where they lived for 40 years and raised their four children.
Despite finding solace in their new community, the Sigals have not forgotten the over 50 hostages still held by Hamas. They are actively campaigning for their release, voicing their concerns over reports that upcoming negotiations could involve only half of the living hostages being set free.
Advocating for Full Release
Aviva expressed her anguish over potentially only ten hostages being released in the next deal. “Every hostage saved is a world unto itself, and I hope this is a good start toward ending the conflict,” she said. “The idea of returning only half of the hostages is alarming, disappointing, and unbearable. We have waited far too long; they should have been home by now.”
Keith echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “We are talking about human lives, individuals daily facing danger. For those still there, the threat of violence is ever-present. We must save them now.”
A Moral Imperative
Keith called on the government to prioritize life-saving measures and the dignified burial of the deceased, urging that military pressure alstart would not bring them home. “I’m immensely grateful to the soldiers who are fighting to ensure Israel’s security and who strive to bring the hostages back home. Only through negotiations can we hope to return all the hostages, just as Aviva and I returned.”
As the couple settles into their new life, their commitment to advocating for the remaining hostages remains steadfast. “Let us bring all 50 home,” Keith urged.
The Sigals continue to find strength in their love for each other and their family, but their hearts remain heavy for those still suffering. Their story is a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by families affected by conflict and their unwavering hope for a peaceful outcome