The Emotional Reunion of Edan Alexander and His Family

After 584 days in Hamas captivity, IDF soldier Edan Alexander reunites with his family, recounts the battle in which he was captured, the torture he endured, and the faith that never left him | A powerful moment captured.

A tearful reunion and return to life | Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO

Edan Alexander was released yesterday (Tuesday) from Hamas captivity after 584 harrowing days. In an emotional reunion with his family, Edan recounted the horrors of October 7, when he was left alone at Kissufim military post facing 30 Hamas terrorists—until he was abducted to Gaza. That personal battle marked only the beginning of an ordeal that lasted nearly two years.

Tunnels, Torture, and Tenacity
Throughout his captivity, Edan was held in underground tunnels, chained, without light or air. Testimonies from other freed hostages suggest he suffered interrogations and torture—possibly worse than civilian captives, as he was in IDF uniform when taken. For much of the time, he was held alongside fellow captive Matan Tzangauker, and maintained his fighting spirit and hope, even in the harshest conditions.

Family Reunion and Return to Life

יעל בכתה, האח הקטן צעק: "איך גדלת!" – כך נראה השחרור של עידן (צילום: רועי אברהם, לע"מ) pic.twitter.com/RdpmR20vHM

— דסק רגע (@deskrega) May 13, 2025

A tearful reunion and return to life | Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO

The reunion with his parents and younger brother was especially moving. He was greeted with tears, hugs, and shouts of joy. On board the IDF helicopter en route to Ichilov Hospital, Edan wrote: “Thank you, Trump! Am Yisrael Chai! Go Golani 51!” – a nod to his battalion and indomitable spirit. His mother, Yael, welcomed him with the words: “You are safe, you are strong, you are home.” His father, Adi, said: “That’s my son. He’s okay—we’ve witnessed a miracle.”

Golani embraces its son
The Golani Brigade commander issued a statement: “The Golani family embraces you and rejoices at your return. We will keep fighting until they all come home.”

A Light in the Darkness
Edan’s release sparked new hope among other hostage families. The fact that his return came without a negotiated exchange makes it a powerful symbol of perseverance, faith, and Israeli resilience in the face of Hamas terror.

Looking Ahead

Edan will now begin a medical and psychological recovery process. Later, he may meet with President Trump and the Emir of Qatar—but what he wants most, said his family, is simply: “To go home. To hug. To breathe. To live.”

Moments of reunion | Photos: Kobi Gideon / GPO & IDF Spokesperson

Pressure Worked
President Trump welcomed the news: “Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, has been freed. Mazal Tov to his parents, his family, and his wonderful friends!”

Prime Minister Netanyahu added: “We embrace him and his family. This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. It was a winning combination.”