Hundreds gather as American-Israeli hostage from N.J. is released by Hamas
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 3:37 pm
New Jersey Native Edan Alexander Released by Hamas After 19 Months: Celebrations Erupt in Tenafly
Tenafly, New Jersey, erupted in celebration Monday morning as news broke of the release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza for over 19 months. Over 500 people gathered in Huyler Park, anxiously awaiting confirmation and watching live broadcasts of the unfolding events.
Alexander, a New Jersey native, was taken from his military base in southern Israel during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. His release marks a significant development, being the first since Israel ended an eight-week ceasefire in March, leading to renewed violence.
The announcement of Alexander's release came around 11:30 a.m., confirmed by a Hamas official, though no immediate confirmation was available from Israel. The community, including childhood friends like Zig Zaifman, who described Alexander as "a really funny guy," expressed immense relief and joy. Families, like Laura and Paul Bindell, traveled from nearby areas to share in the moment, emphasizing the significance of the event for the entire world.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, set to begin his first official foreign trip of his second term in the Middle East on Tuesday, praised the release as a positive step. He acknowledged the efforts of mediators Qatar and Egypt, expressing hope that this is the beginning of the end of the conflict and the return of all hostages.
While Alexander's release is a cause for celebration, the situation remains complex. Israeli officials report that 59 hostages, including Alexander, remain in captivity, with approximately 24 believed to be alive. The community in Tenafly, and the world, eagerly await further developments and the safe return of all remaining hostages.
BNN's Perspective: While the release of Edan Alexander is undoubtedly a positive development, it's crucial to remember the ongoing conflict and the suffering of all involved. This event highlights the urgent need for a lasting peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. The focus should remain on the safe return of all hostages and a commitment to a just and equitable resolution.
Keywords: Edan Alexander, Hamas, hostage release, Gaza, Tenafly, New Jersey, October 7, Donald Trump, Israel, war, ceasefire, Huyler Park, American-Israeli, hostages, conflict, Middle East, Qatar, Egypt, release, celebration, community, Zig Zaifman, Laura Bindell.