“Edan Alexander Way”: Tenafly Renames Street to Honor Former Hamas Hostage and Local Hero.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TENAFLY, NJ – The community of Tenafly is set to honor one of its own—a young man whose story of captivity, resilience, and survival captured the hearts of New Jersey and the nation.
A street in the borough will officially be renamed “Edan Alexander Way” in tribute to the Tenafly native who was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel and held captive in Gaza for nearly 600 days.
The dedication ceremony will take place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the borough municipal complex. The street leading from Riveredge Road into the municipal parking lot will now serve as a permanent reminder of his experience and the community’s fight to bring him home.
From Kidnapping to Freedom: Edan’s Ordeal
Edan Alexander, 21, was among approximately 250 hostages taken by Hamas, the militant group that launched the deadly cross-border attack that killed 1,200 Israelis.
A 2022 graduate of Tenafly High School, Alexander was just 19 and actively serving in the Israeli army when he was captured while guarding an outpost in southern Israel. He was one of 12 Americans taken captive that day.
After an agonizing 584 days in captivity, Alexander was released in May 2025. His return home was met with an exuberant welcome, as hundreds of area residents lined the streets of downtown Tenafly to cheer him during a motorcade—a powerful display of community solidarity.
“A Testament to Strength”: Why Tenafly is Dedicating a Street
The idea for “Edan Alexander Way” was championed by Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who had tirelessly advocated for Alexander’s release and worked closely with the Alexander family. Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna and the Borough Council unanimously embraced the proposal.
“Edan Alexander was held in captivity by terrorists filled with hate toward the Jewish people and Israel,” said Mayor Zinna. He called Alexander’s survival “a testament to this young man’s strength and resilience.”
The renaming is intended to “acknowledge his sacrifices and as a reminder that we must continue the work that results in light triumphing over darkness,” Zinna added.
Congressman Gottheimer called the dedication “a small tribute to the heroic strength and determination of Edan and the entire Alexander family,” emphasizing that the state “never gave up hope” during his 19 months in Gaza.
The Fight Continues: A Call for Remaining Hostages
Alexander’s story of survival is remarkable, but the crisis is not over. There are currently 48 remaining hostages believed to be held in Gaza, though more than half are feared to be dead.
In a powerful recent address at a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces gala, Alexander announced his plans to return to Israel and continue his army service, stating: “My story does not end with survival — it continues with service.”
He also used the platform to plead for those left behind: “Their nightmare continues. We cannot forget them.”
The Tenafly community is echoing that call. Roberto Cymrot, who organized the long-running “Run for Their Lives” weekly walk, confirms the walks will continue every Friday until all remaining hostages are freed.
Event Details for the Public
The street dedication ceremony is open to the general public.
- What: Renaming of street to “Edan Alexander Way”
- When: Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM
- Where: Tenafly Borough Hall Municipal Complex
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
