It’s been nearly 18 months since Edan Alexander, a young American-Israeli soldier, was last seen—captured during the chaos of a brutal Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Since then, his family has waited in agony, clinging to hope, praying for any news. Now, their long nightmare may finally be coming to an end.
Hamas officials have announced they are preparing to release Alexander—described as the last known living American hostage still held in Gaza. For his family in Tenafly, New Jersey, it’s the moment they’ve desperately prayed for, though it’s still laced with anxiety until he’s safely back in their arms.
A Young Man Caught in a War
Edan Alexander was just 19 when he was taken. He had joined the Israeli Defense Forces, proudly serving the country where his family has deep roots. When militants stormed southern Israel in the devastating October 7 attack, Edan was one of many soldiers and civilians taken hostage.
While others have been released in negotiated exchanges over the months, Alexander remained missing—his name often spoken alongside uncertainty. Now, Hamas claims it is ready to let him go.
The militant group says the move is meant as a “goodwill gesture” toward the United States and former President Donald Trump, who is expected to travel to the region soon for high-level talks. However, for Edan’s loved ones, the political motives mean little. What matters is that he may finally be coming home.
A Mother’s Quiet Strength
Edan’s mother, Cheryl Alexander, has been a public voice of strength and heartbreak throughout this ordeal. She’s spoken at rallies, met with lawmakers, and poured her energy into keeping her son’s name from fading into silence.
Just weeks ago, the family marked Edan’s 21st birthday with a public vigil in Central Park. They released balloons and lit candles—small acts of love meant to remind the world that their son is still out there, still waiting to be found.
“We miss him every single day,” Cheryl said through tears. “We just want to hold him again. We want him home.”
Life in Captivity
Though exact details are hard to confirm, several sources say Edan has been held in Hamas’ complex network of underground tunnels—sometimes referred to as Gaza’s “underground city.” Reports indicate he has endured extreme conditions, with little sunlight, limited food, and near-total isolation.
Those conditions have reportedly taken a toll on his health. Sources familiar with negotiations say Edan is physically weakened and deeply traumatized. Efforts are already underway to ensure he receives urgent medical care and psychological support if and when he is released.
No Ceasefire—Yet a Possible Turning Point
While Hamas has tied Alexander’s release to diplomatic efforts and as a signal to Trump, Israeli officials have made clear that no formal ceasefire agreement has been reached. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would allow for safe passage of the hostage but that military operations in Gaza would continue.
Still, the announcement offers a rare glimpse of potential progress amid a deeply entrenched and violent conflict.
“This could be a small but meaningful step toward something better,” one U.S. official told reporters. “But first and foremost, we just want to see Edan safe.”
A Family on the Edge of Relief
For the Alexanders and the many Americans and Israelis who have followed Edan’s story, this moment feels fragile. They are cautious not to celebrate too early, knowing that in a conflict zone, nothing is guaranteed until it happens.
But there is hope—real hope—for the first time in a long while.
“We’ve waited so long to hear the words, ‘He’s coming home,’” said a family friend. “Now we just need to see it happen.”
As the world watches and waits, one young man’s return could become a powerful symbol of endurance, faith, and the simple, unbreakable bond of a family refusing to give up.
