“My Son Lived Because of Edan”: Father Credits Released Hostage for Saving Golani Soldier

In a deeply emotional interview on Radio 103FM on Wednesday, Simon, the father of a soldier in the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion, shared a heart-wrenching account of how American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, recently released from Hamas captivity, saved his son’s life during the October 7, 2023, massacre. Simon revealed that Edan volunteered to stay on base that fateful weekend, allowing his son to return home, a decision that spared his son from the deadly attack that claimed so many lives.

Simon, still reeling from the news of Edan’s release, expressed profound gratitude and anguish, saying, “I’m in a storm of emotions. My son is in the 51st Battalion. My son got to live thanks to Edan Alexander. He’s from his company, from his training base.” He recounted the events leading up to the massacre, explaining that his family had returned from Vienna on Thursday afternoon. His son, eager to fulfill his duties, contacted his commander to check if he was needed. “He called his commander and asked: ‘Do you need me?’ The commander answered that Edan would stay on base for the weekend, and he could come back on Friday,” Simon recalled. This selfless act by Edan, who took his place, meant Simon’s son was safely at home when Hamas launched its brutal assault.

The father’s gratitude was tinged with fury at the social media condemnation directed at the Alexander family, which he found infuriating and unjust. Adding to the emotional weight, Simon shared a poignant detail about Edan’s return. “Yesterday, my son showed me a message from Edan Alexander. He asked my son yesterday if there was anyone still alive from the company. Edan wanted to meet his crew, and he asked his friends if they were still alive when he got back,” he said, underscoring the trauma Edan endured and his longing to reconnect with his comrades.

Edan’s release from captivity has brought renewed attention to the sacrifices made by soldiers like him, who faced unimaginable horrors during the October 7 attack. Simon’s story highlights the personal toll of that day and the ripple effects of one soldier’s choice to stay behind, a decision that preserved a life and left a father forever grateful. As Edan seeks to reunite with his surviving peers, Simon’s account serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds forged in service and the enduring impact of bravery in the face of terror.

Sources: Information compiled from Radio 103FM interview with Simon, as reported on May 14, 2025.