The protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas has left a painful mark, with several Americans caught in the crossfire. Among them, Edan Alexander, an Israeli American from Tenafly, New Jersey, remains the sole surviving American hostage in Gaza.

Born in Israel shortly before his family relocated to the U.S., Alexander's upbringing was a blend of cultures. He was a typical American teenager, attending Tenafly High School, enjoying swimming, and cheering for the New York Knicks. However, his connection to Israel remained strong through regular family visits and speaking Hebrew at home. After high school, he chose to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instead of pursuing college.

Serving in the IDF's Golani Brigade, Alexander was on patrol near Gaza when Hamas launched its attacks on Israel on October 7th. The devastating assault resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages, including Alexander. His mother, Yael, recounted the harrowing experience to the American Jewish Committee (AJC), detailing her last conversation with Edan that morning, where he described witnessing horrific events before being taken captive.

Over a year later, Hamas released a video of Alexander, coercing him to deliver messages about Israeli and American political figures. His father, Adi, described the video as deeply distressing, marking the first sign of life from their son since his capture.

Despite ongoing efforts by lawmakers in both Israel and the U.S., Alexander's release remains elusive. He was not included in the initial prisoner exchange as part of the ceasefire agreement. New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer, Alexander's congressional representative, met with his parents, vowing to do everything possible to secure his safe return. Governor Phil Murphy also called for Alexander's swift reunion with his family.

While some hostages have been released in the first phase of the ceasefire, Alexander's fate remains uncertain as negotiations for the second phase are anticipated. The ongoing struggle to bring him home underscores the human cost of the conflict and the anguish of families awaiting the return of their loved ones.