Yael and Adi Alexander, whose son Edan is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, share their anguish and frustrations one year after his capture. They question how anyone can support the terrorist group responsible for the October 7 massacre and urge the international community to do more to secure his release.
Yael and Adi Alexander, the parents of American hostage Edan Alexander, have endured an unimaginable year since their son was taken captive by Hamas in Gaza. As the world commemorates the tragic anniversary of the October 7 massacre, they pour out their hearts, expressing both their unwavering determination and the profound pain that consumes their lives.
"This is very difficult for me to see. I still… cannot see the footage from October 7th, all the footage [Hamas] took with GoPro cameras, how they kidnapped people, how they came to the Nova Festival and did all these terrifying things," Yael told "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday.
The Devastating Toll of Hostage-Taking: Parents of American Captive in Gaza Speak Out
Edan, a Tel Aviv native raised in New Jersey, was taken hostage as terrorists surged across the Israeli border. His family has been living in constant torment ever since, their thoughts consumed by his well-being and the relentless struggle to secure his release.
"On October 6th, everything was quiet. It was peaceful in Israel… I was speaking with Edan October 6th at night, and we… Facetime[d] each other and everything was quiet, and suddenly October 7th happened," Yael recalled, her voice trembling with emotion.
The Devastating Toll of Hostage-Taking: Parents of American Captive in Gaza Speak Out
The Alexanders expressed their bewilderment at how anyone could cheer for Hamas, a terrorist group that has terrorized Israel with indiscriminate rocket fire and other acts of violence.
"I don't get it. How people don't understand that this is a terrorist group. They terror[ize] Israel," Yael said. "Thousands of anti-Israel protesters descended on the streets in New York City on Monday, exactly one year after Hamas slaughtered 1,200 innocent Israelis over the border."
The Devastating Toll of Hostage-Taking: Parents of American Captive in Gaza Speak Out
Amidst the anguish, the Alexanders have found solace in meeting with former President Donald Trump, who offered words of support and encouragement. Yael shared how Edan, while held captive in the tunnels, attempted to calm his fellow hostages, assuring them that they would be released soon.
"He tried to calm everyone down and to say, 'Listen, you're all civilians. You will be out soon, very fast. Don't worry about it.' It gave us a lot of strength to know that Edan was strong on October 7th, and he was comforting others," she said.
The Devastating Toll of Hostage-Taking: Parents of American Captive in Gaza Speak Out
The Alexanders praised the American government for its efforts to secure the release of American hostages, but they urged the Israeli government to intensify its diplomatic efforts.
"We have a great amount of access to the highest level of the government, and we are really grateful," Adi explained. "And it was a result back in November, but we don't see any movement since then. We know that the diplomacy never works till it works, and we hope it will work this time, and it should, and really fast."
They emphasized that Edan is not just an American hostage but also a proud Israeli who chose to serve in the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school.
"It was a very difficult year. Our family is totally broken," Yael said. "There is not a second in the day that we are not thinking about Edan. We are doing everything that we can. We are meeting with all the government here in the U.S. and also in Israel. We are traveling a lot, and we are doing whatever we can to free Edan and the 100 hostages that are still in Gaza."
As the Alexanders continue their fight for Edan's freedom, they appeal to the international community to denounce Hamas's atrocities and support their efforts to bring their son home. His release would not only reunite a heartbroken family but also represent a triumph of justice over terrorism.
