Family of Former Hostage Expresses Gratitude and Urges Action for Remaining Captives
Return of Idan Alexander
Idan Alexander, a former hostage who was held for 584 days in Hamas captivity, returned to Israel on May 12, 2025. His homecoming followed a series of medical evaluations at Ichilov Hospital, where he is currently in the process of recovery. His mother, Yael Alexander, delivered a poignant statement at the hospital, surrounded by family holding signs advocating for other hostages who remain unaccounted for, including Eitan Horen, David Koni, and Nimrod Cohen.
Yael described the emotional reunion with Idan, emphasizing the contrast between relief and ongoing despair. “Every day was like eternity, and each minute a struggle between hope and despair. The moment I first embraced my Idan after 584 days felt like time stopped,” she stated. However, she also expressed concern for the remaining hostages, questioning, “What about those still hearing those terrifying sounds?”
Conditions of Captivity
Yael detailed the harrowing circumstances Idan experienced during his captivity. She recounted, “Each day was a fight for survival and a battle against fear.” The sounds of war echoing overhead—bomb blasts, missile sirens, and crumbling structures—added to the tension. “While the world hears ‘explosion’, Idan heard hope drifting away,” she lamented.
She further remarked, “My heart is at peace now that Idan has returned, but it will not find rest until all hostages are back home.”
Gratitude for Support
In her address, Yael acknowledged several key individuals and organizations that contributed to Idan’s release. “I want to thank President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Adam Bohler, and all members of the American administration who dedicated countless hours to help bring my son home, and continue their efforts until all 58 hostages return,” she expressed.
She also extended her gratitude to the Israel Defense Forces, the security servstarts, and the volunteers working tirelessly to support families of the missing. “You are the unsung heroes among us, and my heart is with you,” she said.
Yael appealed to the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to prioritize the return of all hostages, stating, “This is not a matter of politics; it’s a matter of humanity. Our people are united in this call.”
Urging National Unity
Yael stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “It’s time to choose unity and to act as start. We call upon the government to place the return of all hostages above all else. Time is running out, and the world is watching.”
The emotional weight of her statements was further symbolized by a gift from Steve Witkoff, who presented Idan with a Star of David necklace that belonged to his late son, Andrew, who passed away at the age of 22, the same age as Idan. Witkoff wore the necklace for over 25 years and chose to pass it on to Idan, signifying solidarity and shared resilience.
Yael concluded by expressing her hope for a swift resolution, stating, “Idan’s return must mark a beginning—every hostage must return home quickly, the living for rehabilitation, and the deceased for a proper burial. We cannot rest until this is accomplished.”
In this moment of emotional reunion, the message was clear: while celebrations of Idan’s return are appropriate, the fight for the fate of others continues, highlighting a collective need for humanity over division