President Donald Trump was overcome with emotion when a group of freed hostages and their families came to the White House last October, according to his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who shared the account Thursday night at a major pro-Israel gathering.

Speaking at the opening session of the Israeli-American Council National Summit, Steve Witkoff described a moment that followed the release of 20 hostages, saying the experience struck Trump on a deeply personal level.

“It was deeply personal to President Trump. When we got the 20 hostages home, the last 20, and their families came to the White House, the President pulled me aside. I saw the tears. He doesn’t like anyone to see tears. And he said to me, ‘This is the greatest day I’ve ever had in the White House,’” Witkoff said.

Witkoff then reflected on his own personal connection to the mission, explaining how the loss of his son shaped his perspective and his work alongside the families of the hostages.

“I’m a member of that really bad club that has lost a child. So, for me, it was very personal, and I think the President knew that. And so, when he allowed me to take this job, it was the greatest blessing of my life, because my son’s death then got to mean something for me. I got to meet these incredible families and work with them and meet the most incredible people I ever had the privilege of working with. It was a very special experience.”

He concluded by describing how he feels guided by his late son as he continues this work, portraying the experience as both painful and profoundly meaningful.

“I feel that my boy puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me to these places. And his death now feels like it counts for something. Like that was his purpose. God took him back at 23, but asked me through him or asked him through me to meet these wonderful families. It’s the blessing of my life. I don’t know how to describe it any more than that.”

{Matzav.com}