Edan Alexander, who was held hostage by Hamas following the October 7 attack, received an emotional welcome home in Tenafly, New Jersey, on Thursday after nearly 600 days in captivity. Despite the rain, hundreds of town residents lined the streets, displaying American and Israeli flags and signs to celebrate his return.
The 21-year-old Alexander was seen smiling and waving from a black SUV, part of a motorcade that traveled slowly through the town of 50,000, as supporters cheered.
Rabbi Mordechai Shain, the family’s rabbi for many years, stated that the community had been praying for Alexander for 585 days and held weekly marches for his return, sharing in the experience of his captivity.
Alexander, at age 18, had moved to Israel to volunteer in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He resided with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and was part of a group of lone soldiers at Kibbutz Hazor.
He was serving in the Israel Defense Forces when Hamas kidnapped him during their attack on southern Israel at the age of 19.
Alexander’s release in May, after over 19 months of captivity, was facilitated by U.S. officials and Hamas as a goodwill gesture. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Special Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler were instrumental in securing his freedom.
Rabbi Shain, who has known Alexander since childhood, described him as a quietly kind person. He recounted how Alexander, even as a boy, would help others discreetly. The rabbi mentioned that on October 7, Alexander had taken a friend’s shift, allowing the other soldier to go home, which led to his own capture.
According to Rabbi Shain, Alexander and his family wish to return to normalcy. He emphasized that healing will take time, given the unknown extent of torture Alexander endured during his captivity.
During his , the Jewish community of Tenafly organized weekly prayers, marches, and even a birthday celebration in his absence. The Rabbi noted that over 800 people attended Alexander’s Hanukkah birthday celebration, demonstrating that he was not forgotten.
Alexander is expected to remain in New Jersey to focus on his recovery. Reports indicate that he weighed only 121 pounds upon his release and sustained hand injuries.
“`