Out of Israel comes a very heartwarming story about a young Israeli woman engaged to be married. The problem was that her parents were both held hostage by Hamas following the horrific raid of October 7, 2023.
Shir Siegal and Yuval Bar were sweethearts, planning their wedding day when terrorist took Shir’s parents, Keith and Aviva Siegal captive that fateful day. Thankfully, Aviva was released after 51 brutal days. Unfortunately, Keith remained in terror tunnels of Hamas in Gaza. What was a young bride-to-be to do?
Shir recorded a message to be delivered to her father. In it she vowed not to get married until he was there. Day after mind-numbing day, friends and family of the Siegals awaited Keith’s return, knowing he was enduring terrible treatment in horrific conditions. Due to reports out of Gaza, they feared he would succumb to death.
But then, after 484 agonizing days, Keith was released! Looking very frail and weak, he emerged during one of the hostage hand overs in which Hamas totally disgraced emaciated hostages. Keith was alive, but almost unrecognizable.
He was treated and regained strength and on August 7, 2025, Shir Siegal’s vow to wait until her father was there to witness her wedding was finally fulfilled as both her parents walked her down the aisle! The vow to her father fulfilled, new wedding vows made!
Interestingly, the Siegals were known as very caring, helpful people, yet secular. But Keith, who nearly starved to death in captivity, now blesses his food each time he eats. Oh, that he might come to know the Bread of Life personally!
Mazel tov, Shir and Yuval! Welcome home and God bless you, Keith and Aviva!
Looking for the Blessed Hope 