Edan Alexander to Rejoin IDF After Captivity
Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen who was released from Gaza in May after enduring 584 days as a hostage, is gearing up to return to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to continue the fight against Hamas.
Reflecting on his experiences, Alexander said, “I understand their language and culture. I’ve learned a lot about these demons. I can’t just ignore this gift; I must use it and give back.” This statement was made at the site of the Nova Music Festival massacre.
“I want to ensure they know I won’t back down. You gave me hell? Well, I’ll give you hell,” he expressed emphatically.
During this period, he shared that it was the first time he put on military attire near the Gaza border since his release.
Alexander spoke to an audience of over 1,000 attendees, which included Christian pastors, youth leaders, educators, and social media influencers gathered for the Ambassador Summit 2025 in Israel. The event featured notable figures like U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Other former hostages, such as Emily Damari and Tal Shoham, also addressed the gathering. They received the Here Am I Award from Mike Evans, who is the founder of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem and a supporter of the summit.
Looking ahead, Alexander mentioned he plans to share intelligence about Hamas gleaned during his captivity with the IDF.
Back in September, he had already expressed his desire to rejoin military service at an event for “Friends of the IDF.” During his time in captivity, he described his experience as “the toughest days of my life: days of struggle, pain, and separation from my family.”
He concluded with a hopeful note, stating, “Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel. I will once again don the uniform of the IDF and serve with pride alongside my brothers. My story is more than just survival; the service continues.” At the time of his release, he was the last remaining American citizen taken hostage in Gaza.
