Shir Siegel, daughter of American-Israeli Keith Siegel, celebrated her wedding on August 7, 2025, a momentous occasion that had been postponed until her father's return from 484 days of Hamas captivity in Gaza. The emotional ceremony saw both Keith and his wife, Aviva Siegel, walk their daughter down the aisle, marking a poignant milestone for the family.
Keith Siegel, 65, was among the hostages abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7, 2023, attacks. He was released on February 1, 2025, as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange deal. His wife, Aviva, had been released earlier, in November 2023, after 51 days in captivity, and had since become a vocal advocate for the release of all remaining hostages, including her husband.
Shir Siegel had made the deeply personal decision to delay her marriage until her father was home, a commitment highlighted by a tweet from Bethany S. Mandel, which stated, > "Shir Siegel waited until her dad Keith came home from captivity in Gaza before she would get married. Yesterday, she got her wish." This act underscored the profound impact of the hostage crisis on individual lives and families.
The wedding, held in Israel, was attended by family and friends, including several other former hostages who shared in the Siegels' joy and resilience. Keith Siegel, a North Carolina native who immigrated to Israel decades ago, endured harsh conditions during his captivity, suffering broken ribs and a gunshot wound during his abduction. His return, though marked by the physical and emotional toll of his ordeal, brought immense relief and a sense of closure for his immediate family.
The Siegel family's journey from the horrors of October 7 to this celebration of life and love serves as a testament to their enduring spirit. While the wedding marks a personal triumph, the broader context of the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza remains a somber reminder for many families still awaiting the return of their loved ones.