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Alexander “Sasha” Troufanov, released after 498 days in Hamas captivity on Saturday, prayed and put on tefillin for the first time since his return alongside Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar at Sheba Medical Center on Sunday.
Lazar had been actively involved in efforts to secure Troufanov ’s freedom, meeting with Russian officials during the war to rally support. “I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. You’re wonderful people,” Trupanov told Lazar. “You have a big heart, keep doing what you do. You have great faith and a big heart — thank you!”
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Alex Troufanov praying at the hospital
Lazar maintained close ties with various parties involved in negotiations and hosted Troufanov’s family in Moscow multiple times since the October 7 massacre. “Sasha’s deep connection with Russia’s Jewish community reflects the ongoing bond between Russian Jews who made aliyah to Israel and their home communities,” a Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia spokesman said.
Jewish communities celebrated Troufanov ’s return while continuing prayers for the remaining hostages. Rabbi Lazar stressed this commitment: “We continue to pray for the safe return of all hostages.” Troufanov spoke about the faith that sustained him in captivity, and his mother, Yelena, called on Jewish women and girls worldwide to light Shabbat candles for the hostages’ release.
Troufanov also met on Saturday with Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov, who issued him a Russian passport. A close friend at the hospital said Troufanov “asked us to keep fighting for the others.” Jewish communities from the former Soviet Union had organized numerous events and prayers for his release, led by Chabad emissaries and community rabbis.
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In Rostov, Troufanov’s birthplace, many gatherings were held. He made aliyah to Israel at age two with his mother, Yelena, while his grandmother, Irina, remained active in the local Jewish community before moving to Israel a year before the October 7 attack.
Troufanov learned of his father Vitaly’s murder in the October 7 massacre only after his release. His father was murdered and he himself was shot in both legs. His mother, grandmother and partner, Sapir, were also abducted but were released in the November 2023 hostage deal.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude and joy to have Sasha home,” his family said. “On October 7, he was brutally kidnapped from his home and shot in both legs. Seeing him today strengthens us and gives us hope for the long recovery ahead. It’s a huge relief for us, his friends and everyone who prayed for his return.”
Troufanov was released alongside Yair Horn and Sagui Dekel-Chen, who were also abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7. He grew up in Kibbutz Nir Oz, studied electrical engineering at Ben-Gurion University and later moved to central Israel to work for Amazon. On the weekend of October 7, he and his partner traveled to visit his parents at the kibbutz.
Viktorov also commented on his release, saying, “I welcome the release of three more Israelis held in Gaza as part of the Israel-Hamas deal. Despite all the difficulties, they can finally reunite with their loved ones. It’s especially gratifying that one of them is Alexander Troufanov, a Russian citizen for whom we made every effort to secure his release.”
“Following the tragic events of October 7, in line with Russian leadership’s directives, our Foreign Ministry and diplomats in the Middle East, in coordination with Israeli authorities and other stakeholders, prioritized resolving this humanitarian issue as quickly as possible. This was a key focus in our talks with the Palestinian side, ultimately contributing to Troufanov’s release in the first phase of the deal,” he added.