Edan Alexander, an Israeli American kidnapped Oct. 7, is still in Gaza
After 16 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, five Americans remain held hostage in Gaza, with only one known to be alive. Edan Alexander, an Israeli American from Tenafly, New Jersey, is the last living American hostage in Gaza. Born in Tel Aviv, Alexander moved to the U.S. with his parents at a young age, but maintained strong ties to Israel through visits to family and speaking Hebrew at home.
Growing up in New Jersey, Alexander led a typical American teenage life, attending Tenafly High School, participating in sports like swimming, and cheering for the New York Knicks. However, his decision to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after high school set him on a different path.
On October 7, 2023, Alexander, serving in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, was captured by Hamas during their attacks on Israel. His mother, Yael Alexander, recalled the day he was taken hostage, and the agonizing wait for news about her son’s well-being. It wasn’t until November 30, 2024, over a year later, that Hamas released a video of Alexander speaking in Hebrew and Arabic, delivering messages for propaganda purposes.
Despite efforts by lawmakers in Israel and the United States, including U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Alexander was not among those initially slated for release in the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. His family, along with the families of the other American hostages, continue to advocate for his safe return.
In a recent exchange, Hamas released six hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. As negotiations for the second phase progress, the fate of Edan Alexander and the remaining hostages remains uncertain.
The ongoing struggle to secure the release of the American hostages underscores the complex and heartbreaking impact of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The families of those held captive, including Edan Alexander, hold onto hope for a resolution that will bring their loved ones back home.
