Released hostage Edan Alexander thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts in the Israeli-Hamas war in an acceptance speech after receiving Fox’s “Honor Award” on Thursday.
The award was given during the Fox Nation Patriot Awards ceremony. Alexander, who wasn’t in attendance, expressed his gratitude in a video that was later published by Fox News in an X/Twitter post.
“I’m so honored to accept this recognition from the Fox Patriot Awards,” he said. “Serving Israel and standing with America remains the greatest privilege of my life.”
The former Hamas captive thanked President Trump for his “leadership and for standing with Israel and the hostages.”
“Your [Trump’s] support makes this moment possible, and I am deeply grateful,” he said.
“To my family, I want to thank you for never giving up on me. And to the soldiers still fighting and the families of the fallen, I carry your sacrifice with me every day.”
The 21-year-old Israeli American was released from Hamas captivity in May after having been taken from his IDF base in the Gaza border area.
He served in the Golani Brigade as a lone soldier after making aliyah at 18 and was the last live hostage held in Gaza who had US citizenship. He was released after 584 days in captivity.
Alexander to return to IDF
In September, Alexander announced his return to the IDF while speaking at a Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) gala in New York.
He also acknowledged Trump and his administration for being responsible for his release. “Without their work, I would not be here with you tonight,” he said to the gala’s sold-out audience.
“I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers. My story does not end with survival; it continues with service.”