Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump welcomed a group of freed Israeli hostages and their families to the White House on Thursday, recognizing their strength and resilience after enduring a long period of captivity. The President praised them as true “heroes,” celebrating their return to freedom.
“You’re not hostages anymore,” President Trump declared during a speech at the White House. “Today, you’re heroes.”
The visit follows the recent release of hostages held in Gaza, a result of a cease-fire agreement. Many of those present at the White House had been held for an extended time, some for as long as two years.
President Trump expressed his admiration for the former hostages, telling them, “It’s an honor to get to know all of you. We love you all, and our country loves you all.”
Among those who met with President Trump were individuals who had experienced immense hardship during their captivity. The President specifically acknowledged the courage of Matan Angrest, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who had faced severe mistreatment.
“He went through hell,” President Trump said of Angrest. “Matan never broke, and today he’s a living testimony to the toughness, heart, and faith of the Jewish people. You’re a great inspiration to everybody, whether you’re Jewish or not.”
President Trump presented each of the former hostages with a special presidential coin, calling them “super coins.”
During the visit, twins Gali and Ziv Berman presented President Trump with a mezuzah, a religious item containing Torah verses, that had survived an attack on their home.
In a note to President Trump, the twins wrote, “This mezuzah was lovingly removed from the door of Gali’s room, in our home… a community that endured unimaginable horrors…The mezuzah survived. Gali survived. And now, this sacred item survived.”
They continued, “Out of deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, we present you with a small yet powerful symbol of protection and faith… as a gesture of honor and appreciation for your efforts in securing the return of the hostages.”
Following their release, the former hostages emphasized that the effort to bring everyone home is not yet complete. “There are other families who are still experiencing the pain that our families experienced,” one of them said, referring to the hostages who remain in captivity.
The President’s meeting with the freed hostages underscores America’s unwavering support for its allies and its commitment to working towards a more secure and peaceful world. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing strong against those who threaten freedom and security.
