NEW YORK — A New Jersey family celebrated the birthday of their son, Edan Alexander, on Sunday who is among the hostages still held by Hamas.
They gathered in Central Park and solemnly sang “Happy Birthday” in Hebrew to the now 21-year-old, who was 19 when he was captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
“This is a day that should be filled with joy and celebration, but instead we are marked by pain and sorrow,” said father Adi Alexander.
Who is Edan Alexander?
Edan Alexander, a swimmer, Boy Scout and Knicks fan from Tenafly, joined the Israeli army right out of high school. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas families have periodically gathered in Central Park to call for the release of hostages. On Sunday, his mother, Yael Alexander, focused on staying positive.
“So we have a restaurant that we go to for every celebration with the kids. So definitely to go shopping, and that’s it, just to spend it with the family,” she said.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on social media on Sunday that the Israeli-American should be home with his family, adding: “We will not relent until he is home.”
Edan Alexander has a younger brother and sister, 13-year-old Roy Alexander and 18-year-old Mika Alexander. His sister said she was thinking about how she would celebrate when her older brother was home.
“We just went to a restaurant with him and just shared the fun memories we had with him,” Mika Alexander said.
Edan Alexander’s birthday coincides with Hanukkah
Omer Hortig has known Edan Alexander since second grade.
“He’s the type of person who would have a lot of fun today, on his birthday. We would go out. I mean, he’s turning 21,” Hortig said.
Edan Alexander’s birthday this year also falls on the fifth night of Hanukkah, a time when his family and friends say his absence is certainly felt.
“Every night on Hanukkah you light a candle and you’re reminded of him and the other hostages, and it’s usually a very happy holiday. This year it’s not as cheerful, like last year, so I hope this is the last year is that we have to spend the holidays like this,” Hortig said.
The last time Edan Alexander’s family saw him was in a Hamas propaganda video just after Thanksgiving. They say it gave them hope that he is still alive. His father sent him the same message he had been sending for the past 450 days.
“Stay strong, survive, and you will soon be free,” said Adi Alexander.
