Washington, D.C. – On October 7, 2025, President Donald Trump met with Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old New Jersey native and former hostage, in the Oval Office to mark the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Alexander, who was held captive in Gaza for 584 days, shared his harrowing experience with the president, highlighting the ongoing plight of the 48 hostages still in Hamas’s custody. The meeting, captured in photos showing a somber Trump listening intently, underscores the U.S.’s continued support for Israel and efforts to secure the remaining captives.

Trump, a vocal advocate for Israel’s security, used the occasion to renew calls for Hamas’s surrender, stating, “We will not rest until every hostage is home.” Alexander’s release in June 2025, part of a U.S.-brokered deal, has made him a symbol of resilience, with his story inspiring many. The anniversary event also included prayers for the victims and hostages, reflecting the day’s dual nature of remembrance and hope.