Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen who endured 584 days as a hostage in Gaza, has once again donned the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He is now poised to take a stand against Hamas.

Speaking from the site of the Nova music festival massacre, Alexander shared his determination: “I understand their language and culture, and I know a lot about these adversaries. I couldn’t just ignore what I’ve learned. I have to use this knowledge and give back.”

He added, “I wanted Hamas to see that I am unbreakable and that I intend to repay them. They put me through hell, and now it’s my turn.”

Born in Tenafly, New Jersey, Alexander returned to his hometown on June 19, after being taken hostage during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Alexander, who originally hails from New Jersey, mentioned that this was his first appearance in uniform near the Gaza border since his release.

The former hostage was addressing a group of over 1,000 Christian pastors, youth leaders, educators and social media influencers, who are attending a week-long summit in Israel, according to The Jerusalem Post. The event, known as the Ambassador Summit 2025, included several speakers, such as U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, meets with former Hamas hostage Edan Alexander. (Shlomi Amsalem)

Emily Damari, Tal Shoham, Moran Stella Yanai, and Aviva and Keith Siegel, all of whom are former Hamas hostages, also addressed the groups. The Times of Israel reported that the released hostages also received the “Here Am I Award” from Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion (FOZ) museum in Jerusalem, one of the groups behind the summit.

Alexander also said he would share with the IDF information about Hamas that he gathered while in captivity.

Edan Alexander speaks with loved ones following his release.  (IDF)

In September, Alexander announced at an event for “Friends of the IDF” that he intended to return to his military service. He said the 584 days he spent in captivity were “the hardest days of my life. Days of struggle, pain and separation from my family,” The Times of Israel reported.

“Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel. I will once again, put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers,” Alexander said, according to The Times of Israel. “My story does not end with survival. It continues with service.”

At the time of his release, Alexander was the last living American citizen held hostage in Gaza.