Hundreds gathered Monday in New Jersey to watch the release of Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, who has been held hostage for over 19 months. Family, friends and supporters gathered at Huyler Park in Tenafly,

The freeing of Alexander marks the first hostage release since Israel broke a weekslong ceasefire with Hamas in March. His release leaves 58 hostages remaining in Gaza; about half are believed to be alive. Hamas has said the move is a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration.

In the New Jersey suburb of Tenafly, just a few miles outside of New York City, you’re just as likely to hear Hebrew as English while walking down the street. It’s common for families to move to Tenafly from Israel and back again.

New Jersey officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Andy Kim, cheered Hamas' release of Edan Alexander of Tenafly.

The parents of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who was freed Monday after being held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, said they always maintained hope he'd be released.

New Jersey native Eden Alexander, held hostage by Hamas since October 2023 and considered the last living American hostage, is being returned home to his