NEW YORK — Edan Alexander, a Golani Brigade soldier who was held captive by Hamas for 584 days before his release in May, said Wednesday night he will return to Israel next month to resume military service.
Speaking at a sold-out Friends of the Israel Defense Forces gala attended by about 1,200 people, Alexander thanked those who worked for his freedom and urged renewed efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
“Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel,” Alexander told the crowd. “I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers. My story does not end with survival. It continues with service.”
Alexander was taken captive during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and was held in Gaza for more than 19 months before being freed in mid-May as part of negotiated arrangements that involved international intermediaries. He was 19 at the time of his capture and is now 21.
The announcement marked Alexander’s first public comments since his return from captivity four months ago. His remarks drew a standing ovation at the gala and were greeted with emotion by family members and supporters in the audience.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan, chief executive officer of the FIDF, praised Alexander and used the moment to emphasize the organization’s continued support for soldiers and their families. “Edan’s story is a reminder of why we must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with IDF soldiers and their families,” Padan said. “His devotion to the State of Israel, even after enduring unimaginable hardship, is an inspiration to us all.” The FIDF said it was grateful for Alexander’s safe return and saluted the IDF’s efforts to bring hostages home.
The FIDF gala raised millions of dollars to support the health, education, and well-being of Israel’s soldiers, reservists, veterans, and their families, the organization said. Since October 7, 2023, the FIDF has mobilized emergency and welfare funds to meet urgent needs stemming from the multi-front war, including medical supplies, rehabilitation for the wounded, support for bereaved families, and a major initiative to expand mental health care for soldiers and veterans.
Alexander thanked individuals and officials who he said were instrumental in securing his release. He specifically acknowledged American engagement and expressed gratitude toward U.S. officials who worked behind the scenes. His release in May was widely covered as a rare transfer of an Israeli American out of Gaza during ongoing hostilities.
The return to service by former hostages has precedent. Other freed soldiers have chosen to rejoin or continue service after release, citing duty and solidarity with their units. Alexander’s announcement underscores both the personal resilience of released captives and the broader demands placed on Israel’s military manpower amid sustained conflict.
Families of hostages and advocacy groups say more must be done to secure the return of all those still held. Alexander used his platform to call for urgent action to bring the remaining hostages home. At present, dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, and their families continue to press governments and mediators to intensify efforts for their release.
Alexander’s announcement at a major New York fundraising event for the IDF also highlights the strong ties between diaspora supporters and Israel’s armed forces. The FIDF described the gala as an expression of solidarity and a fundraiser to sustain programs that directly assist soldiers, reservists, veterans, and families coping with the war’s fallout.
For many in the audience, Alexander’s vow to return to uniform was seen as an affirmation of service under extreme circumstances. It reinforced a message commonly voiced by military leaders and supporters that the commitment to defend Israel continues even after profound personal suffering.
This article is based on verified information from The Jerusalem Post, Reuters, The Associated Press, The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Friends of the IDF, Ynet, and Times of Israel.