NJ Israel Commission Leadership Remarks on the Abduction of Tenafly’s Edan Alexander by Terrorists in Gaza, in regards to the “Proof-of-Life” Video

TRENTON, NJ – More than 420 days ago, Edan Alexander (now 20 years old) of Tenafly, along with more than 200 others, was kidnapped from Israel into Gaza, during a terrorist attack from the coastal Palestinian territory. On November 30, 2024, his captors in Gaza released a “proof of life” video, in which Edan delivered a coerced message to the world.

“On October 7th, 2023, the entire State of New Jersey looked on in horror as bloodthirsty terrorists filmed themselves committing mass murder and atrocities throughout Southern Israel,” said Karin Elkis, NJ Israel Commission Co-Chair. “Every single day since, we are sickened by the abuse and torture heaped on the innocent captives, including our brother and neighbor, Edan Alexander. Yet, we remain resolute in our efforts to Bring Them Home. Our inspiration comes from the stiff-necked courage of the Alexander family, as well as the superhuman strength exhibited by Edan and his colleagues who were kidnapped on October 7th. The captives’ perseverance in the face of unimaginable trials is now on display for the entire world. We will never leave them behind.”

“With the release of the latest video, Hamas, its patrons in the region, and their supporters around the world degrade themselves to a new level,” said Mark Levenson, Co-Chair of the NJ Israel Commission. “As the people of our state are no strangers to craven terrorist attacks, we march together with the Alexander family, and the families of all of our captives, rallying for the captives’ speedy release and an end to the fighting. At the same time, we recognize that every day in which terrorists are allowed to ply their trade, from carrying out attacks to inspiring violent intimidation of our communities across New Jersey, we are all at risk. We will not rest until all the captives, from Edan, to the Bibas children, and 100 others are safe at home with their families. We take this time to recall other young New Jerseyans in Israel who fell victim to Iranian-backed groups, including Alisa Flatow of West Orange (murdered in 1995, age 21) and Sara Duker of Teaneck (murdered in 1996, age 22).”

On October 7, 2023, Edan was kidnapped, along with over 200 other innocent people, by terrorists from Gaza who illegally infiltrated Israel and murdered over 1200. Since that day, Edan has had no communication with his family, the Israeli government, or the United States government. Edan and his fellow abductees, who are believed to be held prisoner in unknown locations throughout the Gaza Strip, have had no contact with or received visits from any international humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, the WHO, ICRC, MSF/DWB, Amnesty International, or Human Rights Watch, despite the fact that all of these groups are active observers of the conflict in Gaza. There are still more than 100 captives being held in the Gaza strip, including 7 American citizens.

About Edan Alexander: Edan Alexander lives in Tenafly, NJ with his parents and two younger siblings. He graduated from Tenafly High School in 2022, where he was a decorated athlete on the swim team. He loves art and music, particularly artists like Travis Scott and SZA. His favorite activities include joining his friends for adventurous outdoor activities, such as skydiving and skateboarding. Following graduating high school, Edan put off enrolling in college, and volunteered with IDF’s Golani brigade as a “lone soldier.” He was stationed at the border with Gaza on the early morning of October 7th, 2023, when his mother last spoke with him before he was kidnapped. He celebrated his 20th birthday in captivity on December 29. His current whereabouts and condition are unknown.

About the New Jersey Israel Commission: The New Jersey-Israel Commission, which operates within the New Jersey Department of State, was established in 1989 to promote the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and foster a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey. New Jersey-Israel trade in goods accounted for approximately $1.84 billion annually, and thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents.