Overview

• Alexander made his announcement in his first public remarks since his release, speaking at a Friends of the IDF gala in New York.
• He urged urgent efforts to free the remaining captives, with reports citing 48 hostages still in Gaza and about 20 presumed alive.
• The Golani Brigade soldier was abducted during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack while serving near the Gaza border after growing up in Tenafly, New Jersey.
• He framed his return as a continuation of duty, telling the audience that his story moves from survival to service.
• He met with President Trump at the White House in July following his release, which he publicly attributed to U.S.-led negotiations.