Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier from Tenafly, New Jersey, has finally been reunited with his family after 584 days in captivity. He was taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, and his release on May 12, 2025, brings a long-awaited moment of relief in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
After being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Edan was transferred to Israeli forces. His emotional reunion with his mother and younger brother took place at an Israeli medical facility, where he received immediate care for the physical and mental toll of his time in captivity. The moment was a bittersweet one for his family, who had endured months of uncertainty and anguish.
A touching moment came when Edan held up a handwritten sign that read, “Thank you President Trump,” acknowledging the diplomatic efforts that helped secure his release. President Trump credited his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, for playing a key role in the negotiations, giving credit where it was due in what was a complex and delicate process.
Edan’s captivity was brutal. Reports say he was tortured, starved, and often kept shackled in underground tunnels, enduring unimaginable conditions. Although Hamas described his release as a “goodwill gesture,” it didn’t involve any exchanges of prisoners, which had been a key part of previous negotiations.
Edan’s freedom has also renewed focus on the other hostages still being held by Hamas. There are currently 58 hostages believed to be in captivity, with only 23 thought to be alive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel’s military operations in Gaza will continue until all hostages are freed, rejecting calls for a ceasefire.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 52,000 Palestinians reported dead amid the violence, and ongoing blockades have raised fears of famine. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, leaving many people caught in the middle of a devastating conflict.
For Edan and his family, however, this reunion has been a ray of hope. His return has been celebrated by his hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, as a symbol of resilience in the face of such tragedy. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of this conflict, but also of the enduring hope that peace might one day be possible.