I thank Trump for freeing me from Hamas, and beg he can save my brother

Four weeks into President Trump’s second term in office, Hamas released me from captivity as part of a negotiation that many had deemed impossible — championed by a president who had made that mission one of his earliest priorities.Soon after, when I traveled to the United States to meet President Trump privately at his invitation, I was amazed to find the event wasn’t just a ceremonial photo opportunity.The president created moments of real connection in that conversation — moments that gave me a renewed sense of hope that Israel’s nightmare can end.What struck me most about President Trump during our meeting in the Oval Office was his genuine empathy.He didn’t just listen to my story; he felt it.“We will bring them all home,” he promised, gripping my hand firmly.It was a commitment spoken with the conviction of someone who sees each hostage as a precious life — a world unto itself.

I could see that he meant it.A few weeks later, I met the president once again, joining him on stage at the National Republican Congressional Committee dinner.There he gave me the opportunity to speak directly to America.“I have been in hell for 498 days,” I said.

And the room went silent.So many leaders would shy away from giving raw grief such a public stage.But President Trump understands something critical: The voices of Hamas hostages like me desperately need to be heard.These stories must be told.Trump’s effort to secure the release of hostages like myself broke through barriers that once seemed unbreakable.Through determined diplomacy, his administration brought 38 people home — real lives, real families reunited.And yet 59 hostages still wait in darkness — some alive, enduring daily abuse, starvation and psychological torment; others already murdered, their bodies still held, denied even the dignity of a proper burial.One of them holds a piece of my heart with him in Gaza: my younger brother Eitan.He’s been there for over 550 days — trapped in ...