From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 21, 2025
Trump tells freed hostage Matan Angrest he’s a ‘living testimony’ to toughness of Jewish people
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US President Donald Trump singles out freed hostage Matan Angrest in his comments during a meeting at the White House with a group of former Israeli captives.
“Because of his service in the IDF, Matan was subjected to severe beatings, even at times losing consciousness. Alone and under special guard, he went through hell,” Trump says in a video from the meeting shared by the Hostages Families Forum.
במהלך הפגישה עם שורדי השבי, הנשיא טראמפ פנה למתן אנגרסט: "עברת גיהנום אמיתי; אתה עדות לחוסן של העם היהודי"@michalpeylan pic.twitter.com/ZXs84v8kSL
— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) November 20, 2025
“Matan never broke, and today he’s a living testimony to the toughness, heart, and faith of the Jewish people. I’m telling you, you’re a great inspiration to everybody,” Trump adds.
Addressing the group, which includes 26 former hostages, including 17 who were freed last month, the US president says that “it’s an honor to get to know all of you, I know some of you already, I know some of the previous hostages that we got out very well. We love you all, and our country loves you all… you’re amazing people.”
Trump also hands each of the freed hostages his presidential challenge coin, according to footage shared by the White House.
President Trump personally gives each freed Israeli hostage his presidential challenge coin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fmVwKo4ERT
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) November 20, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.