Trump meets with freed Israeli hostages at the White House: 'Today you're heroes'

President Donald Trump met with 17 freed Israeli hostages and their families at the White House on Thursday, one month after he helped secure their release from Hamas.

The Trump administration helped facilitate the prisoners' releases as part of the president's 20-point plan to end Israel's war with Hamas. Israel also released more than 1,900 of its Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal. 

The former hostages were the last living ones to be released by Hamas in the two-year war. They also met Wednesday with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

"You’re not a hostage anymore. Today you’re heroes," Trump told the group, according to Fox News. "We love you all, and our country loves you all. You’re amazing people."

Among the freed hostages at the White House was Matan Angrest, who was captured while defending the Nahal Oz outpost.

"Because of service in the IDF, Matan was subjected to severe beatings, even at times losing consciousness," Trump said. "And alone and under a special guard, he went through hell. I guess you really were. I've heard stories that were not good. Look at you, how good you look."

Trump said the experience made Angrest stronger and that he was an example of the "toughness, heart and faith of the Jewish people."

"You're a great inspiration to everybody, whether you're Jewish or not," the president added.

Twins Gali and Ziv Berman gave Trump the original mezuzah from their home in Kfar Aza's Young Generation neighborhood, along with a letter that explained the significance of the sacred item.

"This mezuzah was lovingly removed from the door of Gali's room in our home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a community that endured unspeakable horrors on October 7, 2023," the letter reads. "The mezuzah survived. Gali survived. And now, this sacred item is presented to you, for helping to save his life.

"With deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, we present you with a small yet powerful symbol of protection and faith, salvaged from the devastation of tragedy, as a gesture of honor and appreciation for your actions in bringing back the hostages," the letter continued. "May it stand as an enduring testament to courage, to faith, and to the eternal friendship between our peoples."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.