Former Hamas captive Edan Alexander, 21, spoke at a Friends of the IDF (FIDF) event in the United States and announced his return to military service. "I was taken captive by Hamas on October 7. That day I fought alongside my brothers in arms against Hamas, and after being kidnapped I fought to survive in captivity, in tunnels, in darkness," Edan said. "I was held captive for 584 days. Those were the hardest days of my life - days of struggle, pain and separation from family." He thanked President Donald Trump for his release and reminded everyone about the hostages still in captivity: "Their nightmare continues, families are waiting and we cannot forget them. I dream of the day when every hostage will be free." In closing he declared: "Next month I will return to Israel and once again wear my IDF uniform, serving proudly alongside my brothers. My story doesn't end with survival - it continues with service. Until victory."