As you drive past Tenafly Borough Hall, you might notice what seems like a small change: The street adjacent to the complex, which was formely known as River Edge Road, now has a new name: “Edan Alexander Way.” But this change is actually not small at all, and is a lot more than just a sign. The street represents a story of a true hero, Edan Alexander.
Alexander is an American-Israeli citizen who grew up in Tenafly, attended Tenafly High School, swam on our swim team, and was like any other accomplished student at our school. But now, he is a nationally recognized hero. And for all the right reasons.
He gained this heroic status after he was held hostage for 584 days by Hamas terrorists as a result of the terrifying October 7 attacks. October 7 was the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 innocent people lost their lives that day, and around 250 others were brutally taken from their families and became hostages to Hamas. Many of those held captive did not make it—but Alexander survived. Thus, Tenafly has recently renamed a street to “Edan Alexander Way” in his honor.
After graduating from THS in 2022, Alexander made a brave and selfless decision to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) rather than moving onto college like many of his classmates. He fought courageously throughout his time in the IDF, and less than a year after serving, he was brutally kidnapped on October 7. But Alexander’s story does not end with his abduction.
While living underground in the tunnels of Gaza for a frightening 584 days, he fought even harder. He was fed meager amounts of food and treated in the most horrific of ways. People globally fought tirelessly for his return, as well as that of all the other hostages.
One and a half years after October 7, on May 12, our prayers were answered. Alexander was finally brought home. On this day, members of the Tenafly community gathered together to celebrate his return. Our town sang, danced, and rejoiced in recognition of Alexander’s perseverance and strength while in captivity. Signs calling for his return home were taken down and symbolically replaced with a “BACK HOME” sticker. And so many, including myself, would no longer have to pray for his release over every meal, or light a candle for him each Shabbat. Most importantly, Alexander finally got his long-awaited release. Instead of others doing it in his acknowledgement, he could eat his own meals, pray his own prayers, and light his own candles.
Four and a half months later, now nearing the two year anniversary of the devastating October 7 attacks, members of our community gathered together once again, but this time, with Alexander himself in attendance. The street leading into Tenafly’s municipal parking lot was renamed to “Edan Alexander Way” to honor all that Alexander endured and all that he will continue to fight for. Because despite being held captive for over a year and a half, instead of taking a well-deserved break, Alexander chose courage over comfort as he vows to return back to the front lines and resume fighting for his people.
“Next month, God willing, I will return to Israel,” Alexander proudly announced during a recent Friends of the IDF Gala in Manhattan, which was his first public address since his release. “I will once again put on the IDF uniform, and I will proudly serve alongside my brothers…My story does not end with survival—it continues with service.”
Alexander was aware and comforted by the fact that he was not being forgotten, and instead so many were vouching for his release.
“A year and a half in captivity was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through,” Alexander said during the ceremony. “But I never felt completely alone. I knew my family, my town, and so many people were fighting for me, keeping my name alive, and pushing for my return. That gave me strength. To have a road named here, in the place I call home, is something I never could have imagined.”
“We name the street Edan Alexander Way to remind parents to tell their children the story of a young man from Tenafly, who overcame all odds and, uncowed, rushed back to continue the fight against terror and evil,” U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who was also present at the ceremonial event, said.
The new street name “Edan Alexander Way” is more than just a name. It is a message of hope, strength, and perseverance. The immense amount of bravery Alexander exhibited during those 584 days is exceptionally remarkable and something that we can all try to learn from.
During his captivity, there was a point where some believed that he might have been dead, but he proved them wrong and survived. The Hamas terrorists who orchestrated the October 7 attacks possess a mind of their own—one that is twisted, truly evil, and morally wrong. But even while living in the midst of madness, Alexander proved that it is possible to persevere.
Each time we drive past the street next to Borough Hall, we should not only recognize the true hero that Alexander is, but also the hero that he will continue to be. He fought for his life while enduring horrifying conditions, and yet is willing to do it all over again. His commitment to his people and country is immensely impactful and inspirational. Alexander is a role model for not just Tenafly residents, but people worldwide. His story showcases how good will always triumph over evil. With faith, willpower, and resilience, one can get through even the most impossible of odds.
