Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli dual citizen who was held hostage by Hamas for 19 months, will return to his hometown of Tenafly on Thursday.
Alexander, 21, was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, while serving in the Israeli military. He was taken during the Hamas-led attacks that ignited the war in Gaza. His release was secured on May 12.
His father, Adi Alexander, said Edan was held in underground tunnels during his captivity. “I think the fact that he saw us, saw us running and fighting and knocking on every door, kept him hopeful,” he said.
Community members in Tenafly are expected to line the streets to welcome him home. “This is our brother. Our son returns home and our hearts are full of joy and happiness,” said Rabbi Yitzchak Gershovitz. “There’s only one word, it’s a miracle of God.”
Alexander, believed to be the last living American held in Gaza, was taken to a hospital in Tel Aviv following his release. He is a graduate of Tenafly High School.
His return comes as the U.S. Embassy in Israel continues to evacuate American citizens amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.