Honoring the Courage of Israeli Hostages and Advocating for Their Return
Apr 2, 2025, 10:00AM
On a deeply emotional and unforgettable day at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), we had the profound honor of welcoming recently released Israeli hostages and the family members of those still held in captivity by Hamas. This extraordinary event was a powerful reminder of the horrors of terrorism and the strength of the human spirit.
🇮🇱 A Cry for Freedom — A Call to Action
The gathering opened with prayer, led by Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who called on the Lord to intercede for the safe return of all remaining hostages. His prayer united the room in faith and conviction, invoking scripture and history, pleading, “Let my people go.”
AFPI Senior Leadership then offered powerful remarks reaffirming America’s unwavering support for Israel. Adam Schindler, Chief Digital Officer, delivered a deeply personal and historical reflection on the spiritual and strategic importance of Israel. “There is no moral equivalence between what the Hamas butchers did and Israel’s right to defend itself,” Schindler stated.
Martin Gillespie echoed this message, affirming that "American leadership is back under President Trump," crediting his administration with initiating the progress that brought hostages home.
Testimonies of Horror and Hope
We heard directly from:
• Keith and Aviva Siegel, who were kidnapped on October 7th. Keith endured 484 days in Hamas captivity, suffering inhumane conditions, violence, and humiliation. It was only after President Trump’s election that negotiations resumed and Keith was released. He passionately urged continued pressure:
“Thanks to President Trump, I was released alive. But 59 others remain. Help bring them home.”
• Yair Horn, held for 498 days, still grieving for his brother Eitan who remains in captivity. “I cannot be truly free while my brother is still held in hell,” he shared. His plea was both a cry and a charge: “Be our Moses. Let my people go.”
• Aviva Siegel, who was released earlier, gave chilling testimony about the terror they faced and the daily uncertainty of survival underground. Her words painted a haunting picture: “I’ll never forget the moment I saw the moon again.”
• Liran Berman, brother of twins Gali and Ziv, still held by Hamas, stressed the emotional devastation of families torn apart.
“Only when the 59 come home can Israel have a future.”
• Eli David, brother of Evyatar David, a Nova Festival hostage, described watching his brother in a Hamas propaganda video — thin, pale, and begging for life.
• Dalia, sister-in-law of Yair and Eitan, called for immediate action:
“We need a hostage deal now. Yesterday. The house is on fire, and we can’t wait.”
What Can Be Done
The speakers were clear in their plea:
• We must keep international pressure on Hamas and its enablers—Qatar, Turkey, and Iran.
• The U.S. must push for a new hostage deal—urgently.
• Humanitarian organizations must demand access to the hostages—many have received no contact or aid in over 530 days.
As one survivor put it: “Every second in the tunnels is an eternity. We’re not asking for a miracle. We’re asking for action.”
Final Word from AFPI
In closing, AFPI’s Matias Pyrdla affirmed our commitment:
“You are among friends here. We will do everything in our power to bring your people home. And we will confront evil wherever it appears—whether in Gaza or on our college campuses.”
Take Action
➡️ Stand with Israel. Speak out against antisemitism and terrorism.
➡️ Share their stories. Let the world hear the truth about October 7th.
➡️ Pray. For the hostages, their families, and for the peace of Jerusalem.
America First stands with Israel. Always.