"Home Sweet Home": Freed IDF Soldier Edan Alexander Breaks Silence With Emotional First Post

After spending a harrowing 584 days in Hamas captivity, Israeli-American IDF soldier Edan Alexander took to social media for the first time since his release, posting a simple but powerful Instagram Story that captured the emotion of his long-awaited return.

On Tuesday, just a day after he was freed through U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, Alexander posted a photo of himself standing under the Israeli sun, smiling, wearing sunglasses, and holding a beer in his hand. The image was accompanied by the caption: “Home Sweet Home.” The post, brief but deeply symbolic, resonated widely among Israelis and supporters around the world, serving as a powerful image of resilience and relief.

Alexander, who was born in Israel and raised in the United States, returned to the country at age 18 to enlist as a lone soldier. He joined the 51st Battalion of the elite Golani Brigade. On October 7, 2023, during the brutal Hamas attack Alexander was captured from the Kisufim outpost after a shrapnel injury to his helmet. He was then taken into Gaza, where he endured nearly two years in harsh conditions.

According to reports, Alexander was held in underground tunnels without sunlight and subjected to severe deprivation. A preliminary report even indicated that he was tortured by Hamas in an attempt to extract intelligence. Despite these horrific experiences, upon his return to Israel on Monday, military sources said that he demonstrated impressive mental resilience, even though his physical condition was described as deteriorated.

His release came as part of diplomatic efforts spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump and the American administration. Alexander was transferred through Khan Younis and brought to the Re’im military base in southern Israel, where he was reunited with his mother, Yael. He was later flown to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for medical evaluations.

Alexander's first social media post is more than just a personal moment, it has become a symbol of hope and national pride. As the photo spreads across the internet, many see it as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even the darkest captivity and still smile in the sunlight.