Witkoff Gifts Released Hostage Edan Alexander His Late Son’s Star of David

In a profoundly moving gesture, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff presented released hostage Edan Alexander with a Star of David necklace that once belonged to his late son, Andrew. The exchange took place Tuesday during Witkoff’s visit to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, where Alexander is recovering after 584 harrowing days in Hamas captivity.

Andrew Witkoff passed away at the age of 22 the same age as Alexander. For more than 25 years, his father had worn the necklace in his memory. On Tuesday, he chose to pass it on.

“This necklace has been with me every day for over two decades,” Witkoff reportedly told Alexander. “Now I want you to wear it, in Andrew’s memory and in celebration of your life.”

Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and IDF soldier, was abducted during the October 7 Hamas invasion and held for nearly 20 months. His release came as part of a Trump administration-brokered deal that has reignited hopes for further hostage recoveries.

Following Hamas’s announcement Sunday of their intent to release Alexander, Witkoff and fellow envoy Adam Boehler flew to Israel with Alexander’s family to oversee the transfer. The soldier was handed over by Hamas’s so-called Shadow Unit near Khan Yunis and escorted by IDF special forces to safety.

“I was honored to meet Edan and welcome him home,” Witkoff posted on social media. “After months in captivity, the world is inspired by his courage and resilience. His return gives hope to so many.”

He also confirmed that both he and Alexander had spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump, whose direct involvement was credited with helping finalize the release. “We remain committed to bringing every last hostage home,” Witkoff wrote.

The necklace a simple but powerful symbol of Jewish identity and continuity now links two families through shared grief and hope. In a war defined by tragedy, it is moments like these that bring light to the darkness.

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