Gift Steve Witkoff Gave to Freed Edan Alexander Shows How Deeply Personal His Rescue Was

United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff proved how deeply personal it was to free New Jersey native Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage being held by Hamas, when he gave him the Star of David necklace that belonged to his late son, Andrew.

Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, had been held captive in Gaza since being captured in the massive October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on southern Israel before being freed on Monday after more than 580 days in captivity.

During Witkoff’s visit to the Israeli hospital, he gave 21-year-old Edan the necklace that belonged to his son, who died at the young age of 22.

Wow. Freeing Edan was deeply personal for Steve Witkoff.

While visiting Edan Alexander in hospital, President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East @SteveWitkoff gave Edan the Star of David necklace that had belonged to his late son, Andrew.

Andrew passed away at just 22… pic.twitter.com/ryPWruMk4x
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 13, 2025

“While visiting Edan Alexander in the hospital, President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East @SteveWitkoff gave Edan the Star of David necklace that had belonged to his late son, Andrew,” a post on X from Aviva Klompass read, along with a close-up of the necklace.

“Andrew passed away at just 22 years old. Witkoff shared that he had worn the necklace for over 25 years — and now he wanted Edan to wear it,” the post added.

Following Alexander’s release, heartwarming videos and pictures surfaced on X showing him embracing his family, and their faces say it all.

This is everything. Edan Alexander in the arms of his mother and father 🥹💛 pic.twitter.com/5gml0CXtBK
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 12, 2025

The happy reunion occurred at the Israel Defense Base before he was sent to a medical facility to undergo additional treatment. An Israeli official reportedly said he was in poor condition, but now he can finally get some real care, and they said he was "smiling" that he was coming home, RedState reported.

Hamas Says They Will Finally Release US Hostage Held in Gaza; Trump Confirms 'Happy' News

On Mother’s Day, Hamas released a statement that Alexander would be freed.

"As part of the efforts made by the brotherly mediators to achieve a ceasefire, Hamas has been in contact with the U.S. administration in recent days," a statement, translated into English from Arabic, from the terror organization said.
"The movement has shown a high level of positivity, and the Israeli soldier with dual American citizenship, [Edan] Alexander, will be released as part of the steps being taken toward a ceasefire, the opening of border crossings, and the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip," the statement continued.

President Donald Trump later confirmed the news with his post on social media about Alexander’s release:

I am happy to announce that Edan Alexander, an American citizen who has been held hostage since October 2023, is coming home to his family. I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!

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