The dad of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander of New Jersey says he’s hopeful after the brand new Hamas video of his son — though he admitted the footage was each “thrilling and disturbing.’’
Adi Alexander of Tenafly stated his 20-year-old son appeared usually wholesome and confirmed braveness within the footage regardless of showing beneath duress in what was an “orchestrated” and merciless propaganda video.
“It’s thrilling and disturbing on the similar time,” Adi informed The Put up throughout an unique interview Saturday evening — hours after the phobia group posted the video.
“He seemed good. He spoke effectively. It’s an indication of life,” the dad stated of his son’s look.
Edan’s mom stated at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as her after the video was launched and warranted her “the situations are ripe” to get her son residence.
Israel simply agreed to a cease-fire with the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, which some see as paving the way in which for the Palestinian Hamas terrorists to quickly comply with go well with.
Adi Alexander stated the couple’s son seemed just a little pale within the video however that was probably as a result of he has been held captive underground in a Gaza tunnel for a very long time.
Edan was with the Israel Protection Drive and stationed close to Gaza when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing greater than 1,200 folks, principally civilians, and abducting a minimum of one other 250. Hamas continues to be holding 101 hostages, together with Alexander and 6 different American-Israeli residents.
The Israeli soldier was proven within the 3-and-a-half-minute video, titled “Quickly … Time is Working Out,” introducing himself and saying he had been a Hamas prisoner for greater than 420 days.
He was later proven overlaying his face and crying earlier than delivering coerced messages in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump.
However Adi stated he noticed constructive within the video, additionally.
The truth that Edan famous the Nov. 5 election of Trump confirmed he was nonetheless alive, the dad stated.
“He strengthened us to remain sturdy. He addressed us to remain sturdy,” Adi stated.
Edan talked about his love for his siblings and grandparents.
“He stated in Hebrew he hopes this nightmare will probably be ending quickly.” Adi stated.
The dad stated he believes that the “Trump impact” — the return of Donald Trump as president — may assist speed up the discharge of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza.
“It’s a window of alternative. All sides must take a step ahead,” he stated. “The US authorities will probably be powerful with its buddies and enemies. Trump is a wild card.”
Adi recalled personally assembly with Trump on the burial web site of the late Chabad Lubavitcher chief Rabbi Menachem Schneerson in Queens on Oct. 7, 2024 — the one-year anniversary of the Hamas assault.
“Trump has a really excessive sensitivity for the American hostages,” Alexander stated.
The dad hammered residence related factors throughout a Manhattan rally Sunday morning for the hostages on the Higher West Aspect by Central Park, attended by about 300 supporters.
“I’m not only a father however the voice of my son and the opposite 101 hostages whose lives hold in a steadiness. I stand right here after seeing my son alive for the primary time in over a yr due to this propaganda video launched by Hamas,” Adi stated as others chanted, “Deliver Them House!”
“It gave us a sliver of hope and likewise reignites the urgency of our plea. Time is operating out. Edan is 20 years outdated is a swimmer, a [Boy] Scout, New York Knicks fan,” the dad stated.
“Day-after-day in captivity is an eternity of struggling for him and each hostage each bodily and emotionally. President Biden, President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, I name on all of you to behave. This isn’t a second for politics or hesitations. This can be a second of braveness, collaboration, and decisive actions.”
The daddy urged President Biden to barter a deal “earlier than it’s too late” and suggested Trump to not wait till taking workplace in January “to make an influence.
“The world is watching,” Adi stated.
He stated the destiny of the hostages notably rests in Netanyahu’s arms and urged him “to not let this chance slip away.
“To everybody listening — buddies, neighbors, Individuals, and Israelis — please amplify our voices, name in your leaders to safe a deal. name on them to behave now. We can not afford to attend. Love you,” the dad stated, as supporters modified, “You aren’t alone!”
Dana Cwaigrich, an organizer of the rally, stated it’s time to carry Edan and the opposite hostages residence.
“Edan got here to Israel from New Jersey. He did essentially the most Zionist and brave factor an American child may do. He selected to place his life apart and go as a lone soldier to Israel and serve his nation, serve his folks,” Cwaigrich stated.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who additionally attended the rally, famous he has a son almost the identical as age as Edan, “and my coronary heart breaks on the mere considered what [Edan] and his household are experiencing this morning of all mornings, and I need him to know he isn’t alone.”
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