Yael and Adi Alexander, residents of New Jersey, have been fighting for the release of their son, Eden, since he was abducted from his army base during the October 7 assault.

The news that their son was to be immediately released caught his parents by complete surprise on Sunday. They were aware that the Trump administration was holding talks with Hamas about their son’s release but the breakthrough took them by surprise.

“The entire family is now together on the way to Israel,” said Eden’s father, Adi Alexander. ” We were completely surprised to receive the call from Witkoff. We knew about the talks, but not about such a dramatic development. It’s very symbolic and moving to receive this news, especially on Mother’s Day.”

After being informed of the news by US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff, Eden’s mother flew to Israel with US hostage envoy Adam Boehler. They are expected to arrive in Israel between 2 to 3 p.m. The rest of the family is on the way to Israel on an El Al flight and are expected to arrive on Monday evening.

Boehler wrote on X on Sunday evening: “On this Mother’s Day, it is my honor to travel with Edan Alexander’s mom, Yael for the reunion of her son from Hamas. Thank you President Trump for your commitment to bringing all Americans home.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)