'I will retaliate fiercely': Former hostage Edan Alexander promises revenge on Hamas 'demons' at Nova site

I learned a lot during my time there. I know the language, I understand the culture, and I have insight into these enemies. I must put all of that to use and come back. And now Im here in uniform, said Edan Alexander.

Wearing an IDF uniform, Edan Alexander, a freed hostage, addressed the Ambassador Summit 2025 at the location of the Nova Music Festival tragedy. He vowed to confront the terrorists who held him captive, declaring he would make them face the consequences of their actions.

I wanted them to see I wont break and that Ill return the favor. They gave me hell? Ill give it back, Alexander, who endured 584 days in Hamas captivity, told the audience.

Alexander spoke to a US delegation of over 1,000 Christian pastors, youth leaders, educators, and social media influencers attending a week-long summit in Israel, hosted by the Friends of Zion Ambassador Institute (FOZ).

I spent a year and seven months there, he recalled about his time in captivity. I told myself theres no way Ill go through the process of arriving in Israel, enlisting, and serving in an elite unit for ten months only to stop. I must complete the two years and eight months, maybe even more.

He explained that he felt compelled to close the circle, emphasizing, I learned so much there. I know the language, I know the culture, and I know these enemies. I have to use that knowledge and return. Now Im back in uniform.

Alexander, an American who immigrated to Israel, first arrived in August 2022 at 18 to serve as a lone soldier in the Golani Brigade. After eight months of training, he returned to the US briefly before coming back to the Gaza border. October 7 hit us like a truck. I remember being at a post near Nir Oz and Nirim when I was captured, he recalled.

Now 21, Alexander was released from Hamas captivity in May 2025, the last US citizen held alive in Gaza at that time. During his imprisonment, he was confined in underground tunnels, safe houses, mosques, schools, and tents. His father confirmed he was injured in a tunnel collapse. Alexander lost around 20 kilograms and survived on seawater and stale bread, calling the experience a year of hell.

In September 2025, Alexander announced his return to the IDF at a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) gala in New York, crediting the US administration for his release. Without their efforts, I wouldnt be here tonight. I will put on the IDF uniform again and proudly serve alongside my brothers. My story isnt just survivalit continues with service, he told the packed audience.

Author: Grace Ellison