Leader Schumer Statement On Release of American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement after the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity. Leader Schumer first met with Edan Alexander’s family in Israel on October 15, 2023, photos attached.
“Today is a day we have long waited for – when American-Israeli and Tenafly, NJ native Edan Alexander is finally, finally, finally released from Hamas’s brutal captivity and reunited with his family. I first met Edan’s parents, Adi and Yael, just days after October 7th in Israel. I’ll never forget how in that meeting, one family shared that every day their loved ones are in captivity feels like a year. Today is 584 days, and for these families, an eternity. My heart is full for the Alexander family, and I pray for Edan’s quick and full recovery.
“At the same time, this is a bittersweet day, as 58 hostages remain in Hamas’s captivity, including the remains of my New York constituents: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gad Haggai, and Judi Weinstein. We cannot stop fighting until all the hostages and their remains are home, and I call on President Trump, the administration, and all parties at the table to use the full weight of U.S. diplomatic power during the president’s first visit to the Middle East to finish the job and use the momentum of Edan’s release to negotiate a deal to get all of the hostages home. Every day they are in captivity, every day mourning families are denied full closure and burial of their loved ones, is a day too long.”
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