Former Hostage Keith Siegel Draws Crowds with Signature Pancakes in Israel

In the heart of Tel Aviv’s bustling Sarona Market, a simple American breakfast dish has become a powerful symbol of unity, healing, and hope. Israelis from across the country are flocking to Keith Siegel’s Pancake House a two-day pop-up honoring the former hostage known for his Shabbat tradition of making pancakes for his family.

Siegel, who was held by Hamas in Gaza for 484 days, was released last month. Since his return, a grassroots movement inspired by his pancake recipe first shared in a hostage support forum cookbook has captured the nation’s heart. The tradition, championed by his daughter Shir on Instagram during his captivity, grew into a weekly ritual of remembrance and solidarity for thousands.

Last month, when Shir called on Israelis to make pancakes in honor of her father's homecoming, the response was overwhelming. Newspapers printed the recipe, and homes across the country filled with the comforting smell of hotcakes.

The pop-up, kosher-certified and running on a pay-what-you-wish model, directs all proceeds to the Siegel family’s rehabilitation fund. While the Israeli government provides some assistance to released hostages, families like the Siegels often rely on private donations to cover critical recovery costs.

Volunteer pastry students and celebrity chefs, including Karin Goren and Haim Cohen, helped flip the pancakes, with lines wrapping around the market. At the center of it all sat Siegel himself, smiling as children declared his pancakes “the best ever,” and strangers approached for selfies and heartfelt blessings.

“This is another way to support the hostages and celebrate the return of one of our own,” said Lital Friedman, an American-Israeli who traveled from Jerusalem. “We’ve seen so much pain when there’s joy, you want to be part of it.”

Siegel wore a shirt honoring Matan Angrest, a fellow hostage still in captivity. Inside the shop, posters reminded visitors of the 59 hostages who remain in Gaza, including twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman from Kfar Aza. For Siegel, the mission is clear: raise awareness, not just funds.

Though not a chef by trade, Siegel credits his late mother, Gladys, for the recipe that has taken on such deep meaning. “For me, enjoying food is about more than the taste it’s the environment, it’s being with the people I love.”

As he continues to recover alongside his wife Aviva, herself freed after 51 days in captivity, Siegel hopes to return to veganism and eventually to normalcy. But for now, his pancakes are doing more than feeding bellies they’re feeding a nation’s spirit.

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