Freed hostage Edan Alexander posts sweet Instagram message as he awaits return to New Jersey: ‘Home Sweet Home’
Newly freed Israeli-American Edan Alexander hopes to return to New Jersey soon with his family — as the 21-year-old recentl🦩y enjoyed a cold beer for the first time since he was released by Ham🙈as.
Alexander, who was freed Monday after 584 days in captivity, shared his first Instagram story, with the Tenafly resident fl𝄹ashing a smile and Corona bottl🦂e in hand, surrounded by loved ones on the hospital rooftop.
“Home Sweet Home,” the caption read.
Beaming father Adi Alexander said his son was still recovering from the torture he endured under Hamas, but said the family was looking forward to his speedy recovery and eventual return to the US, where they’ll celebrate with plenty more drinks.
“Soon Edan will be home in the United States, in New Jersey, watching his little brother play basketball, reuniting with his friends in New Jersey,” .
“He’s 21 now, and those happy times may include a beer too, but we will never forget the first beer he had on the rooftop of this very building since his release,” Adi said of the experience.
The Alexanders did not say when exactly they’ll be back in Tenafly, but said it would be soon after the 21-year-old finishes recuperating at the Tel Aviv hospital.
Adi said his son suffered intense physical abuse, prolonged isolation and several injuries while spending more than 19 months in confinement inside Hamas’ tunnel network.
“At some point, a tunnel collapsed on him and injured his shoulder,” of his son’s experience.
“His whole body has bedbug bites. His skin is in terrible condition. He survived on pitas, rice, and legumes,” he added. “Entire months without sunlight, without showers, with pain and complete isolation.”
Officials said Edan was shackled by his hands and legs and put inside a cage, with the Israel Defense Forces soldier repeatedly beaten and inte൩rrogated by H🐈amas for months.
Despite the ordeal he went through, Adi said his son’s bright personality endured, with the family cheering him on as he recovers his strength and stamina.
“He was this goofy, funny guy. He’s still funny,” the relieved father noted. “I don’t think he’s a different person. He is simply tired.”
