Mother of Israeli American Hostage in Gaza Shares Update on Mother's Day

Hostage Situation and Last Sign of Life

• 💔 Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli, is one of 59 hostages still held by Hamas since October 7th.
• 😔 The last sign of life was a Hamas video released on Passover, showing Edan in distress, which has caused his mother, Yael, significant distress and lack of sleep.
• ⏳ Yael Alexander has been fighting for her son's release for 582 days, describing the experience as a waking nightmare.

Advocacy and Family Support

• 🇺🇸 Yael and other families advocate for hostage release through regular meetings with officials in Washington D.C., including President Trump's team, Congress, and the Senate.
• ✈️ She travels frequently between her home in Jersey, D.C., and Israel to continue her advocacy efforts.
• 🤝 A strong community of families with hostages is formed, with five Americans still held in Gaza, supporting each other through joint trips and advocacy.

Emotional Toll and Hope

• 😥 Seeing other hostages reunited with their families brings Yael hope but also envy, as her son is still captive.
• 🙏 She expresses that the situation is "hell" and emphasizes the need for a ceasefire and a deal to bring all hostages home, echoing the Pope's call.
• 🏡 On Mother's Day, despite the circumstances, the family plans an intimate brunch with Edan's younger brother, Roy, and his sister, who has returned from college.