The parents of the American rehelo-Israelí Edan Alexander, who was released on Monday after being captive by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, said they always had the hope of being released.
“We always believed that this moment will come, always,” said his father, Adi Alexander, A Abc News in an exclusive interview on Tuesday from the hospital in Tel Aviv, where he is being treated to his son. “Hope is mandatory. It finally happened.”
From his meeting, he said, “to be able to hug him again” was “incredible.”
Edan Alexander meets with his father Adi and his mother Yael along with family members at the Reim military base in Israel, on May 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister Office
Edan Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, said they are now savoring the simple moments.
“Just to relax with Edan, as, by my side, and be on my iPhone and connect with all our friends who send messages, as, without stopping, simple things. It’s the blessing, you know, just be with him, next to him,” he said.
Edan Alexander meets his mother Yael at the Reim military base in Israel on May 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister Office
Edan Alexander, now 21 years old, is from New Jersey and moved to Israel at the age of 18. He was 19 years old and served in Israel’s defense forces when he was captured during Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Adi Alexander said their nightmare when the parents led them to go “knocking on each door, at the president’s door, the previous one, and finally, that was successful. So we were grateful.”
Edan Alexander meets with his father Adi and his mother Yael at the Reim military base in Israel, on May 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister Office
The launch of Edan Alexander occurred after successful negotiations between the United States and Hamas. His release is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the Trump administration and a possible openness to promote conversations that surround the broader conflict, US officials said to ABC News.
Alexander was the last living American citizen who still believed that Hamas. It is believed that the terrorist group holds the bodies of four dead American hostages, according to US officials.
When asked how Edan is, his parents told ABC News “that he needs time” and will give him the time he needs to recover.
Edan Alexander meets his father Adi, his mother Yael and a brother at the Reim military base in Israel, on May 12, 2025.
Israel Prime Minister Office
Just before their interview with ABC News, Yael and Adi Alexander gave a statement to journalists in the hospital.
Adi Alexander said his son “soon” would return home in New Jersey and could do things like enjoying a beer and seeing his brother play basketball.
He said that the first beer they shared since their release was on the roof of the hospital, calling it a moment that he would appreciate forever.
Adi Alexander said his family “could finally heal”, but also asked that all the remaining hostages be released.
Fifty -seven hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 that are believed to be alive.
Adi Alexander also praised President Donald Trump’s team, and especially a special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, for working “tirelessly” to Edan to be at home.
