Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American who spent over a year and a half as a hostage in Gaza, has announced his intention to return to military service in Israel, just months after his dramatic release. Speaking publicly for the first time since his liberation, Alexander’s words carried the weight of both personal ordeal and a broader, ongoing crisis that continues to grip the region.
At a packed Friends of the IDF Gala in Manhattan on Wednesday, Alexander stood before an audience still reeling from the aftershocks of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that upended countless lives. The event marked a turning point not only for Alexander but also for the families of the 48 hostages who remain in captivity, many of whom cling to hope as diplomatic efforts drag on.
"While I am free, many others are still in captivity. Their families are still waiting. We cannot stop until everyone is home," Alexander declared, according to CBS. The young man from Tenafly, New Jersey, who moved to Israel in 2022 to volunteer for the IDF’s Golani Brigade, was snatched from his base near the Gaza border during the infamous attack. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed or taken hostage that day, a moment that ignited a war still raging nearly two years later.
Alexander’s captivity stretched for 584 harrowing days—"the hardest days of my life," he admitted. His ordeal ended in May 2025, when he became the last living American hostage freed from Gaza. The release was anything but routine: it came after direct negotiations between the Trump administration and Hamas, bypassing the Israeli government. According to Egypt Independent, the deal was framed by former President Donald Trump as a crucial step "to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones." Hamas, for its part, agreed to release Alexander in exchange for the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, as reported by Al Aqsa TV.
"I want to thank President Trump and the American administration who ensured my release. Without their work, I would not be here with you tonight," Alexander said, his gratitude mingling with a sense of unfinished business. Despite his newfound freedom, he was quick to remind the world that "the nightmare continues" for others. "Their families are still waiting. We cannot forget them. I dream of the day when every hostage walks free. When no soldier, no child, and no parent will endure what I went through. That day must come soon."
For Alexander, survival is not the end of his story. "Next month, with God’s help, I will return to Israel, put on the IDF uniform again, and serve proudly alongside my brothers. My story does not end with survival—it continues with service," he announced, according to the US Friends of the IDF. His decision is not unique among former hostages: earlier this year, Liri Albag, another Israeli soldier who was taken captive on October 7 and released in January, also signaled plans to return to military service. Albag was one of four female soldiers freed by Hamas in late January 2025, with a fifth released days later.
The context of Alexander’s return is anything but simple. The war that erupted after the October 7 attacks has taken a staggering toll: more than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza over the past 23 months, according to CBS. The violence has left deep scars on both sides, fueling political debates in Israel, the United States, and beyond about the best path forward. The Trump administration’s decision to negotiate directly with Hamas—bypassing Israel—sparked controversy, with some hailing it as a pragmatic move to save lives and others criticizing it as undermining Israel’s sovereignty and complicating future hostage negotiations.
For the families of those still held in Gaza, the diplomatic wrangling is a source of both hope and frustration. As of September 2025, there are 48 hostages still believed to be in captivity, with fewer than half thought to be alive. The uncertainty gnaws at families, many of whom have become vocal advocates for renewed efforts to bring their loved ones home. Alexander’s public advocacy has given their cause a new face and renewed urgency.
"We cannot stop until they’re all home," Alexander reiterated in his speech, echoing the sentiments of countless others who have watched the hostage crisis unfold from afar. His words were not just a personal pledge, but a rallying cry for continued action. The Friends of the IDF event in New York was suffused with both relief for Alexander’s safe return and anxiety for those still missing. The organization, which supports Israeli soldiers and their families, has seen a surge in attention as the conflict drags on and stories like Alexander’s capture the world’s attention.
Alexander’s journey from Tenafly to Tel Aviv, from volunteer to hostage to advocate, is emblematic of the complexities facing dual citizens caught in global conflicts. His decision to return to active duty—so soon after enduring unimaginable trauma—has been met with both admiration and concern. Some see it as a testament to resilience and solidarity; others worry about the psychological toll of returning to the very environment that led to his capture.
Still, Alexander remains resolute. "My story does not end with survival. It continues with service," he said, a refrain that has already inspired others, including fellow former hostages. His announcement has also reignited debate in Israel and among diaspora communities about the role of young people in the conflict, the responsibilities of governments to their citizens abroad, and the ethics of negotiating with groups like Hamas.
Meanwhile, the broader humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The exchange that secured Alexander’s release—humanitarian aid for a hostage—underscores the tangled web of politics, necessity, and tragedy that defines the conflict. While some see such deals as necessary evils, others argue they incentivize further kidnappings and undermine long-term peace efforts. The Trump administration’s involvement, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels, has only added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
As Alexander prepares to return to Israel next month, his story is far from over. For the families of the 48 hostages still waiting for news, for the soldiers on both sides of the border, and for the communities still reeling from violence, his words offer both comfort and challenge. The struggle for freedom, justice, and peace continues—one life, one story, and one act of service at a time.