President Trump held a meeting at the White House on Thursday with more than a dozen freed Israeli hostages and their families, commending them as “heroes.”
“You’re not a hostage anymore,” President Trump stated during remarks made in the state cafeteria. “From this day forward, you’re heroes.”
The last of the remaining hostages in Gaza were released by Hamas last month, following a significant cease-fire agreement that was facilitated by President Trump.
Many of these former hostages had endured 738 days in captivity and were some of the last to be released.
“It’s been an honor to get to know all of you,” the president remarked at a private news conference, as highlighted in a clip shared by a White House official.
“We love you all, and our nation loves you all,” he continued.
Among those who met with Trump were former hostages like Matan Angrest, Omri Milan, and several others, including Burl Kuperstein, Ziv and Gali Berman, and Ariel and David Cunio, as well as many others. It was quite a diverse group.
The president acknowledged the resilience of Mr. Angrest, who had faced severe hardships during his time in captivity due to his service in the Israel Defense Forces.
“He went through hell,” President Trump said regarding Angrest’s experience.
“Matan never gave up. Today, he is a living testament to the strength, heart, and faith of the Jewish people,” he added. “You all serve as an inspiration, regardless of background.”
Trump presented each of the former hostages with presidential challenge coins, referring to them as “super coins.”
Meanwhile, twins Gali and Jib Berman were planning to gift Trump a mezuzah that had survived an attack by Hamas on their home on October 7, 2023. They included a note about how this mezuzah was lovingly removed from their front door amidst the chaos.
“With deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, we present to you a small yet meaningful symbol of protection and faith, taken from the devastation, as a sign of appreciation for your role in bringing the hostages home,” their note read.
Former hostages cautioned that “the struggle is not over yet.” One expressed that “families are still enduring the pain” their family experienced, mentioning the remains of three hostages that Hamas has yet to return to Israel.
