President Donald Trump commemorated the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel by hosting Edan Alexander, a former hostage who endured 584 days in captivity. The meeting took place at the White House on October 7, 2025, and included Alexander’s family. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the gathering, highlighting the president’s commitment to bringing all hostages home.
In addition to meeting Alexander, Trump also spoke with the family of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American who was killed by Hamas during the same attack. Neutra’s body remains in Gaza, but the White House reiterated Trump’s dedication to securing the return of every hostage.
Alexander, who was born in Rockville, Maryland, and later moved to New Jersey, joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in high school. He was taken captive by Hamas during the October 7 massacre while stationed near Kibbutz Nir Oz. His release was negotiated by the Trump administration in May 2025. Alexander had been featured in Hamas propaganda videos, making his return significant as he was the first male IDF soldier abducted during the attack to be freed.
During his time in captivity, Alexander’s parents worked tirelessly to raise awareness about his situation. They met with world leaders and participated in high-profile events to keep his name in the public eye.
Omer Neutra, who also immigrated to Israel as a lone soldier, was a vibrant young man known for his love of sports and his warm personality. His family learned of his death in December 2024, after holding onto hope that he might still be alive. They described him as someone who brought joy to those around him.
In a Fourth of July op-ed, Neutra’s parents expressed their desire for peace, emphasizing that it cannot be achieved while hostages remain in captivity. They called for action to bring all hostages home, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the pain felt by families like theirs.
As the anniversary approaches, the focus remains on the ongoing struggle for peace and the commitment to recovering those still held by Hamas. The sentiments shared by the families of both Alexander and Neutra reflect a shared hope for resolution and healing in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
