Tenafree father’s son is Hamas’ last surviving American hostage
Edan, a son of Israeli soldier Adi Alexander, was stationed near Gaza when he was hostaged by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
The sign in front of Tenafly High School in northeastern New Jersey, graduated by Edan Alexander just three years ago, and there is a single demand for the exhibit.
On May 11, Alexander’s family and friends, his hometown, and strangers who followed his tragic stories were delighted with the news of the 21-year-old New Jersey native who is believed to be the last living American to be arrested by Hamas in the 2023 attacks in Israel.
Hamas said earlier in the day that President Donald Trump would release Alexander before he made a trip to the Middle East later this week. Hours later, Trump confirmed the news in X’s social media post.
“We are pleased to see Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, return to his family home,” Trump’s Post said. “This was a step taken in good faith against the United States, and the efforts of Qatar and Egypt, the mediator’s efforts to end this extremely brutal war, return all living hostages, and remain loved ones.”
Special envoy for US hostage response Adam Boller told CNN and the New York Times that he was traveling to Israel with Alexander’s parents. Hostages and Missing Family Forum Headquarters will release a statement on behalf of the family and thank Trump and his administration for their work
“Today, Mother’s Day, we received the biggest gift we can imagine. We received the news that our beautiful son Edan is back home in Gaza 583 days later,” the statement read. “We urge the Israeli government and the negotiation team. Don’t stop. I hope that the release of my son will begin negotiations for all 58 hostages and end this nightmare for them and their families. Hostages should not be left.”
This report will mark the happy conclusion of a few months of deadly negotiations to secure Alexander’s freedom after being captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023 in a fatal attack. Trump said that Alexander’s release was his number one priority and that the administration took the extraordinary step of meeting Hamas in person despite its designation as a terrifying group.
About Edan Alexander
In interviews and speeches at dozens of rallies held in his name over the past two years, friends and relatives described Alexander as a warm, entertaining, and athletic teenager. Edan was a “national American child” and enjoyed swimming with his father, Addy Alexander, the New York Knicks, and cheered on the New York Knicks.
“It looks legal this time. I couldn’t be happy for Edan, his family, his friends, our community, our United Global Jewish community,” said Jason Shems, CEO of the Jewish Federation in northern New Jersey, in a statement as the spread of Edan Alexander’s imminent release. “His safe return shows another step in bringing everyone back from the hell they received. We thank everyone who made this possible and welcome Edan with a huge, loving arm.”
Edan Alexander was born in Tel Aviv to Israeli parents Adi and Yael, but the family moved to the United States in 2008 when they were first babies in Maryland before settling in Tenafree. He often traveled to Israel to visit his grandparents, where he celebrated the mitzvah of his bar.
However, Edan Alexander returned to his parents’ hometown after graduating from high school and was a volunteer with the Israeli Defense Forces to surprise his family. He had no obligation to serve, but wanted to help Israel, his father said.
Edan Alexander was stationed in southern Israel when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 250 people, including 12 Americans. He was 19 when he was captured while guarding a post near the Gaza border.
“He’s a very brave kid. He felt that was the right thing to do, so he volunteered to IDF,” Addy Alexander said. “He’s very ideal.”
Edan Alexander was held captive, and in December 2023, his parents accepted the “Hometown Heroes” award on behalf of their son by MP Josh Gottimer.
The final conversation
Jael Alexander spoke to his son on the morning phone on the day of his capture. Edan Alexander told her that she had lots of gunfires and he had a rap shot in his helmet, but he assured her that he was safe. His mother told her son that she told him to love him and protect himself.
That was their last conversation. For several days, the family had no idea where he was, but Israeli officials notified them that a week later his son had been lured and taken to Gaza. The footage found later was shown when Edan Alexander, surrounded by Hamas fighter planes, captured him.
Some hostages said they saw Edan Alexander in Hamas tunnel network under Gaza. “He looked slim, but he felt good. He tried to help Thai workers by translating the conversation between them and their prisoners.,“Adie Alexander said in an interview.
Edan Alexander was the last known American hostage from the attack and was believed to be still alive. The Americans killed include Omer Nutra, Itai Chen, Hirsch Goldberg Porin, Judy Weinstein Haggey and her husband Gaddy Haggey. Of the remaining 58 hostages in Gaza, about 21 are believed to be alive.
Hamas has released two propaganda videos featuring Edan Alexander in recent months. The latest one was released in April at the start of Passover, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the story of the book of Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from the slavery of ancient Egypt by Moses. In the video, Gant and the emotional Edan Alexander say he is “more and mentally disrupted,” urging us and the Israeli leader to negotiate his release.
“I want to believe I’ll go home to celebrate the holiday with you,” he told his parents.
A few days later, after talks between Israel and Hamas hit a deadlock, Hamas announced that he had lost contact with the security guard responsible for Edan Alexander. However, Addy Alexander remains optimistic about his son’s fate and told North Gelsea.com that he believes “he’s fine with him in the same place.”
What has changed?
Alexander urged Trump to reach the deal to negotiate directly with Hamas.
In a recent speech at the National Prayer Day event at the White House, where Alexander was present, Trump said, “Adi and Yael, I can’t imagine your pain, but we’re by your side.
Hamas issued a statement on May 11, saying that Edan Alexander would be released as part of his ceasefire effort. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the US had been informed of Hamas’ intentions to release Edan as a gesture to the Americans without any conditions.
Hostages and Missing Family Forum said on May 11 that Edan’s release should be the start of a “comprehensive” contract to ensure the release of all hostages. “President Trump, you gave all hostage families of hope,” the Forum said. “Completing your mission and bringing them all home.”