Edan Alexander, a New Jersey native taken hostage during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, was given a new honor in his hometown months after his release. 

A street in Tenafly was renamed "Edan Alexander Way" in a tribute to the 21-year-old who was held captive for 584 days and recently announced he'll return to service in the Israel Defense Forces. 

The street sign outside Tenafly Borough Hall was unveiled Monday as a permanent tribute to Alexander, believed to be the last American who was held alive by Hamas.

"It's not just my name on a sign. It's a reminder of how powerful a community can be that refuses to give up," he said.  

Speaking publicly for just the second time since being released, Alexander called it a "super significant day" and said he appreciated the support from the entire town. 

"I never felt completely alone. I knew my family and my town and so many people were fighting for me, keeping my name alive, pushing for my return. That gave me strength," Alexander said.   

Community leaders, including Congressman Josh Gottheimer, attended the ceremony. 

"I hope they read about him and read about what happened to him, but also about his strength and his courage," Gottheimer said.

At one point, a heckler shouted "baby killer" during Alexander's remarks, but he held his composure.     

"He has a certain strength he's gained through the adversity," Mayor Mark Zinna said. 

According to the mayor, last week someone burned an Israeli flag at a synagogue in the borough. He said the street renaming was a way to double down on their pride. 

"It was uplifting and it gives us hope," Ruth Pomerantz, of Alpine, said. 

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," said Susan Terman, of Tenafly. "I was there in town when he came home. Just so happy to live here, as a Jew." 

"He's just taking a day at a time"

Yael Alexander said it's a blessing to bring in the Jewish new year with her son. 

"It's unbelievable. It's very touching. It's a great honor," she said. "He's just taking a day at a time. He still needs his rest. He still needs his strength. I'm just happy that he's home and he's getting out of it, spending time with family and friends." 

Her son prayed first thing after the street renaming ceremony. 

Rabbi Mordecai Shain of Chabad of Tenafly said Alexander committed to putting on tefillin every day. 

"The idea is that you put it on every day to connect your heart and your mind to god," Shain said. "He did it with his whole heart." 

Overseas, there are still 48 hostages in captivity and only 20 are believed to be alive.

Alexander was captured after he graduated high school and moved to Israel to serve in the IDF. He was one of 251 people kidnapped in the 2023 attack.   

"A year and a half in captivity was the hardest thing I've ever gone through, but I never felt completely alone," Alexander said. "Every time I see this road, I'll remember not just the struggle, but the love and unity that brought me back home."   

His parents told CBS News that after Hamas terrorists dragged him into Gaza, he was held underground in tunnels and never saw daylight.   

He got a hero's welcome when he finally returned home to in June after being released the month before. Hundreds gathered in the rain to wave flags and cheer as he passed through town.