In a heartfelt ceremony on September 29, 2025, the community of Tenafly, New Jersey, came together to honor one of its own, Edan Alexander, a young man whose strength and resilience captured the hearts of people worldwide. Alexander, a Tenafly native who was held captive by Hamas for 584 days, was the guest of honor at a street renaming event that saw River Edge Road, which leads to the municipal parking lot, officially dedicated as “Edan Alexander Way.”
The event marked a poignant moment in the ongoing recovery of Alexander, whose captivity by Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when he was just 19 years old and serving with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Alexander was released on May 12, 2025, and his return to his hometown in June was met with an overwhelming outpouring of love and admiration. The street renaming ceremony served as a formal tribute to his extraordinary perseverance and the unwavering support he received from his community during his long ordeal.
A Tribute to Strength and Community
On the day of the dedication, a crowd of local supporters, including family, friends, and prominent community leaders, gathered to witness the unveiling of the new street sign.
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer joined Alexander’s family and other officials to commemorate the occasion. The sight of dozens of people cheering in support underscored the profound impact Alexander’s story has had on his hometown.
As the ceremony unfolded, Alexander took a moment to address the crowd, expressing his deep gratitude for the strength he drew from his family and the Tenafly community during his captivity. “I never felt completely alone,” Alexander said, his voice filled with emotion. “The support from my family and my hometown gave me the strength to endure.”
The street dedication served as a symbolic reminder of the powerful bond between Alexander and the community that rallied around him, keeping his spirit alive while he was imprisoned halfway across the world.
A Long and Difficult Ordeal
Alexander’s story is one of profound courage and resilience. Captured by Hamas while serving in the IDF, he endured 584 days in captivity—an experience that tested his physical and emotional limits. Throughout his ordeal, he was subjected to harrowing conditions, but it was the love and support from his family and community that helped him survive.
During his time in captivity, Alexander’s family fought tirelessly for his release, with countless prayers, rallies, and messages of hope sent from Tenafly and beyond. His story became a beacon of hope, symbolizing the indomitable human spirit and the unbreakable ties of community.
When Alexander was finally freed on May 12, 2025, the celebration in Tenafly was nothing short of extraordinary. Thousands of people, many of whom had followed his journey through news reports and social media, gathered to welcome him home. The streets of Tenafly were lined with American and Israeli flags, and the town was filled with joy as Alexander returned to a hero’s welcome.
A Return to Service: “My Story Does Not End with Survival”
Despite the trauma he endured, Alexander’s commitment to service remains unwavering. In September 2025, during his first public speech since his release, Alexander made a remarkable announcement that stunned many—he plans to return to Israel to rejoin the IDF and continue his service.
Speaking at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) gala in New York, Alexander shared his resolve: “My story does not end with survival—it continues with service.” Before his capture, he had been living in Israel, volunteering for military service in the Golani Brigade. His decision to return to the military is a powerful testament to his resilience and his deep commitment to his country and its people.
While his mother, Yael Alexander, admitted that she was initially surprised by her son’s decision, she expressed her respect for it. “As a mother, I can’t say I was prepared for this, but I respect his choice and I know he is doing what he believes is right,” she said in a poignant moment following her son’s announcement.
Hamas’ Response and Alexander’s Resolve
In the days following Alexander’s announcement, Hamas released a message on Telegram, addressing Alexander directly. The message urged him not to return to the military, claiming that they had protected him during Israeli airstrikes. The video, which many viewed as a propaganda attempt, stated, “You want to return to the army who tried to kill you several times, and we are the ones who protected you.”
Despite this message, Alexander remained resolute in his decision. His unwavering belief in the values of his service and his commitment to Israel’s security made it clear that his mission was far from over. He intends to return to Israel in October 2025 and resume his service in the IDF, continuing the fight for the safety and future of the country he loves.
A Symbol of Hope and Determination
Edan Alexander’s journey—from a young soldier captured by Hamas to a survivor celebrated by his community—has become an inspiring story of courage and determination. His homecoming and the dedication of “Edan Alexander Way” in Tenafly serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the power of family, and the importance of community support in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The road ahead for Alexander is filled with uncertainty and challenges, but one thing is clear: his resolve to continue his service and live a life dedicated to others remains unshaken. For the people of Tenafly, the renaming of the street is a lasting tribute to a young man whose strength, perseverance, and commitment to his country will never be forgotten.
As Alexander continues his journey, both personally and professionally, his story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the bonds we share with those around us can provide the strength to overcome any obstacle. For more about Edan’s story and his continuing journey, visit Explore New Jersey.
