Former Hamas Hostage Edan Alexander Vows to Fight Back After 584 Days in Captivity
TENANFLY, N.J. — Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli who endured 584 harrowing days as a hostage in Gaza, has emerged from captivity with a resolute vow: to fight back against Hamas using the knowledge he gained during his imprisonment. Wearing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uniform for the first time since his release in May 2025, Alexander declared at a gathering near the Gaza border that he would give Hamas “hell” for the suffering they inflicted.
Alexander was taken hostage during the brutal Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered widespread conflict and international condemnation. His captivity, one of the longest endured by an American citizen in recent history, ended amid complex negotiations and military efforts. Upon his return, Alexander has not only resumed his military service but also committed to sharing critical intelligence about Hamas tactics and culture with the IDF.
Speaking at the site of the Nova music festival massacre, Alexander addressed over 1,000 Christian pastors, youth leaders, educators, and social media influencers attending the Ambassador Summit 2025 in Israel. The event featured prominent figures including U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Alexander’s message was clear: “I know the language, I know their culture, I know a lot of things about these demons. I just told myself there’s no way I’ll take this present and put it aside. I have to use it and return it. You gave me hell? I’ll give you hell.”
His resolve is grounded in firsthand experience of Hamas’s operations and mindset, knowledge he plans to leverage in support of Israeli security efforts. Alexander’s return to uniform was not merely symbolic but a declaration of continued service. In September, at an event hosted by the Friends of the IDF, he announced his intention to rejoin the military ranks, emphasizing that his story “does not end with survival. It continues with service.”
Alexander’s journey has drawn attention from international media and political leaders. He was honored with the Here Am I Award at the Ambassador Summit by Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, recognizing his courage and commitment. Other former hostages, including Emily Damari and Tal Shoham, also spoke at the summit, sharing their experiences and hopes for peace.
The ordeal faced by Alexander and others underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the human cost of the conflict. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor hostage situations and works with international partners to secure the release of detainees. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces maintain vigilance along the Gaza border, adapting tactics based on intelligence from diverse sources, including former captives.
Alexander’s return to Tenafly, New Jersey, in June 2025 was met with relief and support from his community. His story has become emblematic of resilience and determination amid adversity. The Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies have expressed interest in debriefing individuals like Alexander to enhance understanding of Hamas’s internal workings.
As tensions persist in the Middle East, Alexander’s commitment to actively oppose Hamas highlights the complex interplay of personal courage and broader geopolitical struggles. His message resonates not only with those directly affected by the conflict but also with international audiences watching the region’s unfolding dynamics.
For more on the evolving situation in Gaza and Israel, the U.S. Department of State and IDF official website provide regular updates and resources.
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