Hundreds gathered in central Tenafly, New Jersey, the hometown of Israel-American hostage Edan Alexander, to watch the livestream of his release from Hamas captivity on Monday.
Kaplen JCC in the Palisades told The Jerusalem Post that “the Tenafly community, its whole Jewish community and specifically Kaplen JCC is overjoyed at the prospect of Edan’s release today and his reunion with his family.”
Kaplen JCC added that it is hopeful that Alexander’s release will set the precedent for a greater agreement to release all the hostages and a lasting ceasefire.
The community began gathering in downtown Tenafly, outside Cafe Angelique at Huyler Park, for a communal viewing of events with big screens set up to stream the release, alongside flags and posters.
Hundreds gather in Tenafly, New Jersey, ahead of the expected release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander. May 12, 2025. (Credit: Ohr Gutman).
Kaplen JCC also told the Post that members of its community have done a weekly march for Edan and the hostages, and that there are billboards at the JCC and around town.
“We all look forward to putting a “welcome home” symbol on them soon,” it added.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gluckowsky of Chabad Closter their community joined Kaplen JCC at Huyler Park. Rebbetzin Gluckowsky called it a moment “we’ve all been waiting for with full hearts and hopeful prayers.”
‘Never look away from the cruelty of Hamas’
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey’s 6th district said he was “deeply grateful” Alexander is alive, but added that he would not believe it until he was safely home in New Jersey with his family, given Hamas’s past history of false claims.
“For more than 19 months since October 7, 2023, Edan and his family have endured unimaginable pscyhological torturew, lining every day with fear, grief and uncertainty.”
Pallone urged the public to “never look away from the cruelty of Hamas.” He also emphasized that he would “keep fighting until every last hostage is home.”
Announcement of expected release
Alexander grew up in New Jersey and made aliyah at the age of 18 to serve in the IDF, enlisting in the Golani Brigade.
He was on base on October 7, 2023, after he volunteered to stay on base and was kidnapped to Gaza from the Gaza border area.
Hamas said on Sunday it would release Alexander after 584 days in captivity.
The Prime Minister’s Office and US President Donald Trump confirmed the announcement on Monday.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
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