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Edan Alexander’s grandmother was among those eagerly awaiting the release of the US-Israeli hostage, held by Hamas since October 2023.
Speaking from her Tel Aviv home on Monday, Varda Ben Baruch expressed her excitement and happiness, emphasising that the process was just beginning and they were waiting to finally embrace Edan and have him truly back with them.
Wearing a baseball cap with the word “Now” and a T-shirt marking the number of days her grandson had been captive, Ben Baruch has become a prominent voice advocating for the freedom of all those taken during Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel.
Since the announcement of Edan’s impending release, Ben Baruch has been speaking with various media outlets and preparing her grandson’s favourite foods for his return.
Israeli television showed her with a tray of pastries destined for the army base where Edan will soon reunite with his parents.
Israeli media also reported plans for Edan to potentially fly to Qatar to meet US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled for a regional visit this week.
Ben Baruch stated that they don’t have any concrete information yet and will first assess Edan’s condition before deciding if he can travel to thank President Trump in person.
The family expressed deep gratitude to President Trump for his role in securing Edan’s release.
Ben Baruch also thanked US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler for their efforts and hoped they would continue working for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. Her wish is to see every single hostage return to Israel.
Of the 251 individuals taken hostage during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, 58 are still being held in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 34 of them are deceased. Hamas also holds the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in the 2014 conflict.
