Newly freed hostage Edan Alexander tightly hugged his family members when they were reunited Monday after more than 19 grueling months — as the 21–year-old also held a sign reading “Thank you President Trump.” 

Alexander, of Tenafly, New Jersey, could be seen at an Israeli facility flashing a bright smile as he was greeted by his mother, Yael, and other relatives following his release from Hamas custody earlier Monday.  

The former hostage could be seen laughing as he reunited with his younger brother, who he had not seen in 584 days. 

“Look how massive this kid is,” Alexander shouted as he embraced his brother.

During the airlift to the Ichilov Hospital at Tel Aviv, Alexander fashioned together the thank you note for Trump, whose administration secured his release after negotiations with Hamas mediators over the weekend. 

The note also shouted out the Golani 51 battalion that Alexander was deployed with when he was kidnapped. 

The Alexander family was overjoyed to be reunited with the 21-year-old after the Israeli soldier was kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. 

“You are strong. You are safe. You are home,” Yael told Alexander moments before their reunion.

Alexander was the last living American held by Hamas in Gaza, with the terrorist group holding the bodies of four dead US citizens. 

Mediators had advised Hamas that Alexander’s prompt release would be seen as a gesture of goodwill toward Trump, who is traveling to the region later this week.    

Hamas said the release, with no additional conditions attached, should pave the way for the cease-fire negotiations with Israel and help establish an end to the war. 

The Iran-backed terror group has 58 hostages in custody, about 23 of whom are still believed to be alive. 

There could be fewer hostages alive, however, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted last week that three more hostages could be dead.  

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.