Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American who survived captivity in Gaza, met with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday in the Oval Office.
Alexander was accompanied by his parents, Adi and Yael, his sister Mika, and his brother Roy. "I came to thank the person who played a role in saving my life, and I was deeply moved to be at the White House, where my parents had been multiple times during the campaign for my release, this time with me," Alexander said.
"I told the most powerful man in the world what I went through, what my friends are still going through, and I asked him to continue doing everything in his power. I shared my fear that continued fighting endangers the hostages and said I hope he can secure another historic achievement, a comprehensive deal to release them all, all 50 hostages. I told him I believe he's the one who can do it. I'm honored to mark my freedom on the eve of US Independence Day in this way."
Yael Alexander added, "Today I had the privilege of meeting President Donald Trump and the First Lady and personally thanking them for saving my son and restoring our family's spirit. I call on the prime minister and the government of Israel: It's time to end this nightmare for the families and all of Israel - bring the hostages home. All of them. Now."
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt, who also met with released hostages, said, "The horrors they endured under Hamas captivity are unimaginable, but their strength and faith in God throughout are deeply inspiring."
Alexander, 21, was released after 584 days in Hamas captivity. He grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and was not obligated to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. After graduating high school, he moved to Israel and volunteered to serve in the Golani Brigade.
On October 7, Alexander chose to remain at the military post near Kibbutz Nirim where he was stationed, even though his mother was visiting Israel for the holidays. She saw him briefly before he was abducted by Hamas terrorists and taken into the Gaza Strip.
