Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl Advocates for Release of Hostage Edan Alexander During NCAA Tournament

Pearl uses his platform to draw attention to the Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza as Hamas offers a conditional release proposal.

Bruce Pearl began his postgame press conference by advocating for the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier held hostage in Gaza since October 2023.
Alexander is one of 59 hostages still held by Hamas, with more than half believed to be deceased, according to multiple reports.
Hamas has proposed releasing Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages if Israel recommits to a stalled ceasefire agreement.
Pearl, who is Jewish, tied his advocacy to his faith and emphasized the lack of awareness in the U.S. about the hostage crisis.
Alexander’s father, Adi, expressed cautious optimism about U.S. efforts to secure his son's release, though no resolution has been reached.