the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Tenafly NJ, on Sunday morning, hundreds gathered in New York’s Central Park to honor Edan Alexander’s 21st birthday—his second spent in captivity. The Tenafly, New Jersey native has been held hostage in Gaza for over 450 days by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
The event, organized by the New York Hostages and Missing Families Forum, aimed to amplify awareness and call for the immediate release of nearly 100 hostages, including seven Americans, still being held in Gaza.
A Show of Support
Participants displayed Israeli and American flags, signs reading “Bring Them Home,” and posters featuring Edan Alexander and other hostages. Among them was Edan’s mother, Yael Alexander, holding a photo of her son.
“This is a day that should be filled with joy and celebration, but instead, we are marked by pain and worry,” said Adi Alexander, Edan’s father, addressing the crowd. “It’s been 450 days since he was taken, and every day without him feels like an eternity. We need Israel and Hamas to reach a deal today. It is a matter of life and death.”
The rally featured chants, songs, and heartfelt demands for action to secure the hostages’ release, coinciding with grim new reports of the hostages’ living conditions.
Harrowing Conditions in Captivity
An upcoming report from the Israel Health Ministry, set to be submitted to the United Nations, details the hostages’ suffering. Based on interviews with released hostages, the report alleges they endured:
- Torture and psychological abuse.
- Starvation and medical neglect.
- Physical branding, sexual assault, and food deprivation.
Earlier this month, Hamas released a propaganda video showing a visibly frail Edan Alexander pleading for intervention from Israeli and American leaders. “The fear is at its peak, and we are dying a thousand times every day that passes,” he said, covering his face and sobbing.
While painful to witness, the video brought Edan’s father a small measure of relief. “It was heartbreaking, but it was the first sign of life we’ve had from him since his kidnapping,” Adi Alexander shared.
Edan Alexander’s Story
Born and raised in Tenafly, Edan volunteered for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) after graduating high school. On October 7, 2023, while stationed at Israel’s southern border, Hamas launched an attack. During the chaos, Edan messaged his mother to reassure her of his safety. Tragically, that was their last exchange.
The family later learned Edan was among the 250 individuals kidnapped by Hamas.
A Message of Love and Hope
In honor of Edan’s birthday, his family and friends released an online video filled with messages of encouragement and memories. Friends described him as “caring,” “funny,” and “someone who always knows the right thing to say.”
“This is not how any of us want to celebrate your 21st birthday,” one friend said in the video. “We hope to see you soon.”
Keeping the Hope Alive
As the rally concluded, participants urged the international community to act decisively. The Alexander family, alongside countless others, continues to fight for the safe return of their loved ones.
For updates on Edan Alexander’s story and information on how to support the hostages’ release, follow the New York Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
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