'You'd honor my son if you wear this' - Witkoff gives freed hostage Edan Alexander the Star of David necklace that belonged to his late son

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was one of the first people that released hostage Edan Alexander met upon returning home to Israel.

Trump put Witkoff in charge of securing a hostage deal even before taking office. Despite also being involved in other high-level negotiations – including with Iran over its nuclear program and with Russia and Ukraine over their years-long conflict – Witkoff continues to play an active role in the hostage situation.

I was honored to meet Edan Alexander today and welcome him home. After months in captivity, the world is inspired by his courage and resilience. His return gives hope to so many. We also had the opportunity to speak with @POTUS, whose leadership made this possible. We remain… pic.twitter.com/9rninnXSJy

— Office of the Special Envoy to the Middle East (@SE_MiddleEast) May 13, 2025

Witkoff was personally involved in the negotiations with Hamas to get Alexander released. 

He has met with the hostage families regularly, both in Israel and in the United States as part of his work in pushing for the release of the hostages and the end of the Gaza War. 

On Tuesday morning, Witkoff went to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv to meet with Alexander and his family.

During a personal moment with them, Witkoff gave Alexander a Star of David necklace that had belonged to his late son, Andrew, who died at age 22 – nearly the same age as the newly freed hostage.

Witkoff’s son died in a drug overdose in 2011, and he has worn his son’s necklace ever since. In an emotional exchange, Witkoff took the necklace off his neck and placed it around Alexander's, saying, "You would be doing a great honor to my son if you keep wearing this.” The gesture reportedly moved the family to tears. 

Following the exchange, Witkoff called Trump, who is currently on an official visit to several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Placing his phone on loudspeaker mode, Witkoff and Alexander spoke with President Trump, who invited Edan to visit him at the White House. “Your mother kept pushing me the whole time – but that’s okay,” Trump said according to the Channel 12 Hebrew summary of the conversation. 

“I can’t wait to see you at the White House, the whole nation wants to see you,” Trump continued. “You’re a bigger celebrity than I am right now. Enjoy it while you can, stay strong. Take it easy.” 

Trump also praised Witkoff for his role in the release. 

“Steve did a great job,” Trump remarked.”The truth is that it was me, but I'll give the credit to Steve. What's your situation, how did they treat you?” 

In response, Alexander said that Trump’s reelection caused a change in his conditions. 

“Since you were elected, my conditions improved dramatically,” he responded, before saying, “I have people here now, full of cameras and full of people, I can't share right now. We'll talk privately.” 

After pictures and video of the meeting were posted online, Witkoff’s other son, Alex Witkoff, posted a message to 𝕏, saying, “My brother, Andrew – who left this world way too soon – would be proud to see Idan Alexander wearing his necklace.” 

My brother, Andrew - who left this world way too soon - would be proud to see Idan Alexander wearing his necklace. Idan is a true warrior and the necklace a powerful reminder of his strength, surivial, and pride in his Jewish heritage ✡️ https://t.co/jLnWjUdtGL

— Alex Witkoff (@Alex_Witkoff) May 13, 2025

Alex Witkoff called Edan “a true warrior.”