Former Hostage Edan Alexander Returns to IDF, Vows to Fight Hamas

U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, who endured 584 days as a Hamas hostage before his release in May, has returned to active duty with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is determined to use his experience to combat the terrorist organization.

Speaking at the site of the Nova music festival massacre, Alexander addressed over 1,000 attendees at the Ambassador Summit 2025, declaring his resolve to confront Hamas. “I know the language, I know their culture, I know a lot of things about these demons. I just told myself there’s no way I’ll take this present and put it aside. I have to use it and return it,” he said.

This appearance marked the first time since his liberation that Alexander has worn an IDF uniform near the Gaza border. The New Jersey native’s defiant message continued: “I wanted Hamas to see I’ll never break, and that I’ll return the favor. You gave me hell? I’ll give you hell.”

Alexander was the last living American citizen held hostage in Gaza prior to his release. His return to military service represents a remarkable personal journey after enduring nearly 20 months in captivity following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

During the summit, Alexander joined other former hostages, including Emily Damari, Tal Shoham, Moran Stella Yanai, and Aviva and Keith Siegel, all of whom addressed the gathering. The former captives received the “Here Am I Award” from Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion museum in Jerusalem, one of the organizations sponsoring the event.

The week-long summit has attracted Christian pastors, youth leaders, educators, and social media influencers from around the world. Notable speakers included U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the significant international attention still focused on the ongoing conflict.

Alexander’s commitment to military service was first announced in September at a “Friends of the IDF” event, where he reflected on his captivity. “The 584 days were the hardest days of my life. Days of struggle, pain and separation from my family,” he said at the time, according to The Times of Israel.

“Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel. I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers,” Alexander promised. “My story does not end with survival. It continues with service.”

His return to military service carries strategic significance beyond personal redemption. Alexander has indicated he plans to share valuable intelligence about Hamas gathered during his captivity with the IDF, potentially providing Israeli forces with insider knowledge about the terrorist organization’s operations, locations, and methods.

The conflict, now entering its second year, has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides and created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, hostages still remain in captivity, with their families and international supporters maintaining pressure on governments and organizations to secure their release.

Alexander’s transformation from hostage to active military participant represents a powerful symbol in the ongoing conflict – one that highlights both the personal traumas inflicted by the violence and the determination of survivors to reclaim their lives and fight back against those who imprisoned them.

As regional tensions remain high and the path to peace uncertain, Alexander’s story underscores the deep personal dimensions of a conflict that continues to shape the lives of thousands across the region.