Former Hamas hostage Edan Alexander met with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, just one day before Independence Day.
Alexander, who holds both Israeli and American citizenship, moved to Israel alone and enlisted as a lone soldier in the Golani Brigade. He was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and freed after 584 days in captivity, thanks to a release deal brokered by the American administration.
Accompanied by his parents, Adi and Yael, his sister Mika, and his brother Roy, Alexander used the meeting to personally thank President Trump for his pivotal role in securing his release.
“I came to thank the person responsible for saving my life,” Alexander said. “It was deeply moving to be in the White House, the same place where my parents had fought for my release so many times, but this time together with them.”
Alexander speaks on his meeting with President Trump
During the meeting, Alexander shared his harrowing experiences and expressed deep concern for the hostages still being held by Hamas. He made an impassioned plea to President Trump, urging him to continue his efforts to secure their freedom.
"I told the most powerful man in the world what I went through, what my friends are enduring, and asked him to continue doing everything in his power,” Alexander said. “I shared with the President my fear that continued fighting endangers the hostages. I hope he can achieve another historic breakthrough—a comprehensive deal to free all 50 hostages. I told him I am confident he is the person who can make it happen.”
The meeting, which took place on the eve of Independence Day, held particular significance as Alexander reflected on the freedom he had regained. “I’m deeply moved that I could celebrate my own freedom on the eve of Independence Day,” he added.