Edan Alexander release celebrated by Tenafly community: Video
News of Edan Alexander’s release broke around 11:30 a.m., when Hamas said it had freed him from Gaza, multiple reports said.
- Edan Alexander, a Tenafly native, has been released by Hamas, the group said.
TENAFLY, New Jersey − Edan Alexander’s neighbors gathered at a city park on May 12 to watch as his family arrived in Israel for New Jersey native’s long-awaited release by Hamas.
News of Alexander’s release broke around 11:30 a.m., when Hamas said it had freed him from Gaza. Members of the crowd remained cautious until they saw visual confirmation from the Red Cross that Alexander was finally free.
A huge crowd formed in Tenafly as early as 5 a.m., with more people filtering in and out as the day progressed. A large screen in the park broadcast the latest news while music played and signs supporting Alexander were displayed. Once the first photo of him with the Red Cross came on the screen, the hundreds of supported erupted into joyous cheers.
Alexander, 21,, is believed to be the last living American hostage captured by Hamas in its 2023 terror strike on Israel. His mother, Yael, arrived at Re’im military base in southern Israel near the Gaza border to await him, accompanied by U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler.
In a video posted on X by Axios, Edan’s mother screamed with joy as White House envoy Steve Witkoff handed her his cellphone to speak with her newly freed son.
“They just released a photo of you and you look unbelievable. Wow! You look beautiful. I love you so much,” Yael Alexander said. “I love you and I’m going to see you soon, very soon!”
Michael Berkowitz of Bergenfield came to Tenafly for the May 12 gathering and said his family was “so excited” to hear about Alexander’s release. They have a sign in their yard supporting Alexander but hope to be able to take it down now.
“This is history right here,” he said.
Several high school students were among the group at Huyler Park.
Tenafly resident and high school junior Adi said that although he does not know Alexander personally, it feels like he does.
“That just shows how our community is strong, together,” said Adi, who did not give his last name, “and to miss someone that you never met is a feeling I never knew before.”
“It’s such a happy day for us,” said Yonatan, another high school junior. “We stayed home from school. We came together, and seeing everyone come and support him, it’s amazing to see.”
Lisa Schechter of Englewood said she’s proud to be part of the community that shows up for each other.
“I think we all need some light in these dark times,” Schechter said.
The Alexander family released a statement May 11 expressing their joy about the upcoming release.
“We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the U.S. administration for their tireless work to make this happen,” they wrote.
“We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop,” they added. “We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind.”