Edan Alexander, who was held hostage in a situation involving both America and Israel, met with President Trump and the First Lady at the White House. During this meeting, he shared that his treatment improved after Trump was elected in November.
In the presence of his family—his parents Adi and Yael, sister Mika, and older brother Roy—Alexander expressed gratitude to Trump for his efforts in securing his freedom.
“I came to thank the person who played a key role in saving my life. It was a deeply emotional experience to be in the White House—the very place my parents advocated tirelessly for my release. This time, I spoke to reporters in the Oval Office with them by my side,” he said.
During the conversation, Alexander informed Trump that after his election victory, conditions during his captivity had notably improved.
“They didn’t seem too intimidated by Biden,” Trump remarked in response.
Alexander, who was released on May 12, had been held by Hamas for what the group claimed was a gesture of goodwill toward Trump.
A 21-year-old from Tenneferry, New Jersey, Alexander was in Israel fulfilling military duties when he was abducted during the October 7 terrorist attack in 2023. After 584 days in captivity, he used this meeting to advocate for the release of the remaining 50 hostages held by Hamas.
“I communicated to the most influential person in the world what I went through and what my friends are still experiencing. I urged him to use his power to help,” Alexander recounted.
He added, “I expressed my concerns about putting the hostages at risk to the President. I really hope he can negotiate another significant breakthrough—a comprehensive deal to free all 50 hostages. I’m confident he has the capability to make that happen.”
