JNS
The dual Israeli-American citizen held in Gaza for 584 days is determined to complete his military service.
Former Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was promoted on Wednesday to the rank of Sgt. First Class at an Israel Defense Forces conference dedicated to personal care for Israeli troops.
The Hamas captivity survivor and Golani Brigade soldier vowed in September to resume his military service.
“My story does not end with survival; it continues with service,” said Alexander, 21, who was held for 584 days after being taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023.
Alexander was born in Tel Aviv but moved with his family to the United States when he was a baby. He grew up in New Jersey and decided to serve in the IDF at the age of 18.
He was stationed at the Kissufim post near Kibbutz Kissufim, off the central border of the Gaza Strip, when Hamas terrorists overran the post and abducted him into the Strip a little more than two years ago.
Alexander was the first male IDF soldier taken on Oct. 7 to be freed. He was returned to Israel on May 12.
On Wednesday, he was awarded the higher rank by Personnel Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa.
All living hostages have since returned to Israel as part of the first stage of the present ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas has yet to return the remains of 13 remaining dead hostages, constituting a direct violation of the ceasefire terms.
