The mother and father of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who was freed Monday after being held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, stated they at all times maintained hope he’d be launched.
“We at all times believed that this second will come, at all times,” his father, Adi Alexander, advised ABC Information in an unique interview Tuesday from the hospital in Tel Aviv the place their son is being handled. “Hope is obligatory. It lastly occurred.”
Of their reunion, he stated, “To have the ability to hug him once more” was “unbelievable.”
Edan Alexander is reunited together with his father Adi and mom Yael together with relations at Reim Navy Base in Israel, Might 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister’s Workplace
Edan Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, stated they’re now savoring the straightforward moments.
“Simply to relax with Edan, like, subsequent to me, and to be on my iPhone and to attach with all our pals that sending messages, like, nonstop, the straightforward issues. It is the blessing, you already know, simply to be with him, subsequent to him,” she stated.
Edan Alexander is reunited together with his mom Yael at Reim Navy Base in Israel, Might 12, 2025.
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Edan Alexander, now 21, is from New Jersey and moved to Israel on the age of 18. He was 19 years previous and serving within the Israel Protection Forces when he was captured throughout Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault.
Adi Alexander stated their nightmare as mother and father drove them to go “knocking on each door, on the president’s door, the earlier one, this one, and at last, that was profitable. So we had been grateful.”
Edan Alexander is reunited together with his father Adi and mom Yael at Reim Navy Base in Israel, Might 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister’s Workplace
Edan Alexander’s launch got here after profitable negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas. His launch is being considered as a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration and a possible opening to jumpstart talks surrounding the broader battle, U.S. officers advised ABC Information.
Alexander was the final residing American citizen nonetheless believed to be held by Hamas. The fear group is believed to be holding the our bodies of 4 useless American hostages, based on U.S. officers.
Requested how Edan is doing, his mother and father advised ABC Information “he wants time” they usually’ll give him no matter time he must get well.
Edan Alexander is reunited together with his father Adi, mom Yael and a sibling at Reim Navy Base in Israel, Might 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister’s Workplace
Simply earlier than their interview with ABC Information, Yael and Adi Alexander gave a press release to reporters on the hospital.
Adi Alexander stated his son would “quickly” be returning house to New Jersey and would have the ability to do issues like take pleasure in a beer and watch his brother play basketball.
He stated the primary beer they shared since his launch was on the hospital roof, calling it a second he would cherish ceaselessly.
Adi Alexander stated their household would “lastly have the ability to heal,” however he additionally known as for the entire remaining hostages to be launched.
Fifty-seven hostages stay in Gaza, together with 20 who’re believed to be alive.
Adi Alexander additionally praised President Donald Trump’s group, and particularly Particular Envoy to the Center East Steve Witkoff, for working “tirelessly” to get Edan house.
