In his first public remarks since his release four months ago, Hamas captivity survivor and Golani Brigade soldier Edan Alexander announced that he would return to Israel in October to resume his military service.
“My story does not end with survival; it continues with service,” said Alexander, 21, who was held for 584 days after being captured on Oct. 7, 2023, in an address to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) New York Gala on Wednesday night.
Alexander recounted his harrowing ordeal: “I served in the IDF and I was taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7. On that day, I fought alongside my brothers in arms against Hamas. And after I was taken, I fought every single day to survive in captivity, in the tunnels, in the darkness.”
He continued, “I was held for 584 days. Those were the hardest days of my life—days of struggle, pain and separation from my family. But tonight, I am standing here free.”
He went on to thank those who secured his freedom, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump. “I want to thank President Trump and the administration for securing my release. Without their work, I would not be here with you tonight. To my family—my parents, my sister, my brother—thank you for never giving up on me.”
Alexander paid tribute to the IDF and the families of the fallen, while calling for urgent action to free the remaining hostages still held in Gaza.
“Serving in the IDF is one of the greatest honors of my life. To the soldiers who continue to defend Israel and to the families of the fallen: I carry your sacrifice with me always. But I must say this: while I am free, many others are still in captivity. Their nightmare continues. Their families still wait. We cannot forget them. We cannot stop until they are all home,” he said. “I dream of the day when every hostage will walk free. When no soldier, no child, no parent will face what I faced. That day must come soon.”
The evening, dedicated to honoring Israel’s soldiers and supporting their well-being, education, and families, concluded with Alexander’s moving pledge: “Tonight we gather to support the IDF and to remember the fallen. Let us also raise our voices for those still waiting in the tunnels, still waiting for freedom. Let us promise that we will not stop until they return.”
He added, “Before I conclude, I want to share this with you: next month, God willing, I will return to Israel. I will once again put on the IDF uniform and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers.”
Meanwhile, Hamas captivity survivor Naama Levy delivered an emotional appeal for the release of the remaining hostages.
Levy, who was freed on Jan. 25 in a ceasefire-hostage release deal, spoke on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at an event held by the Hostage Aid Worldwide advocacy group (UNGA 80) on Friday, attended by representatives from the U.N. and the missions of various countries, including Israel, the U.S., the U.K. and Germany.
“Eight months have passed since I was freed from that hell. But knowing that right now, there are still so many people like me barely surviving through torture— is unbearable,” Levy told the audience. “As of today—714 days since Oct. 7—48 hostages remain in Gaza.”
She added, “I implore you, there is no greater crisis to work toward ending, this unbearable situation for the hostages. Diplomacy and agreement brought me back. That same diplomacy must bring back all the people who can still be saved.”
