Former Hostages Thank Trump in Emotional White House Reunion

In a deeply moving ceremony at the White House, 17 former hostages and their family members met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, just over a month after their release from Hamas captivity. The gathering was filled with tears, personal stories, and expressions of profound gratitude.

“You’re not hostages anymore today, you’re heroes,” President Trump told the group, acknowledging the pain they endured and the strength they represent.

One of the most poignant moments came when Trump addressed former IDF soldier Matan Angrest. “Because he was a soldier, Matan was subjected to severe violence by his captors, to the point that he lost consciousness,” the president said. “He went through real hell. But Matan did not break, and today he is living proof of the strength of the Jewish people. Matan, you are a true inspiration to all of us.”

The president personally presented each survivor with the presidential challenge coin a symbolic recognition of courage and perseverance. For the families, it was a powerful gesture of solidarity and respect.

In one especially emotional moment, twins Gali and Ziv Berman gifted President Trump a mezuzah taken from the doorpost of their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza the room from which they were kidnapped. Attached to it was a letter:

“A gift from Kfar Aza, in honor of President of the United States Donald J. Trump. This mezuzah was lovingly removed from Gali’s bedroom door… The mezuzah survived. Gali survived. And now this sacred item is being presented to you, for helping save his life.”

Former hostage Bar Kuperstein captured the sentiment of the evening in a social media post with Trump, writing:

“Standing here today is more than a personal moment for me. It is a victory for an entire nation, for faith, for a strong Jewish identity that accompanies me every step of the way. Thank you America. Thank you Donald Trump.”

Before meeting the president, the delegation held discussions with senior U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. In each meeting, the former hostages emphasized a singular, urgent goal: securing the release of the remaining three Israeli captives still held by Hamas.

The White House event was more than a symbolic reunion. It was a moment of moral clarity, celebrating survival, solidarity, and shared values between the United States and the people of Israel.

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