Edan Alexander is an Israeli-American soldier notable for his service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and for being held hostage by Hamas. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, he moved to the United States as a child and grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. Despite living in the U.S., Alexander maintained a strong connection to Israel. In 2022, after graduating from high school, he joined the Garin Tzabar program, which prepares young Jews from the diaspora to serve in the IDF. He relocated to Israel to enlist and was assigned to the Golani Brigade, a prestigious infantry unit. Alexander served near the Gaza border and was kidnapped during Hamas’ large-scale invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023. He endured more than nineteen months in captivity, becoming the last known American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza. His release was announced in 2025 and managed through the Red Cross, marking a significant event amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. His liberation was framed as a potential goodwill gesture by Hamas amid efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Alexander's story has drawn attention for exemplifying courage and dedication, as he chose military service over other typical post-high school paths. His experience underscores the challenges faced by lone soldiers—those serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel—and highlights ongoing conflicts in the region. His release has relevance to current geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian concerns surrounding hostages and ceasefire negotiations[1][2].