After 16 months of captivity, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov has been freed from Hamas imprisonment, bringing immense joy to Jewish communities across Russia and particularly to his hometown of Rostov-on-Don. His release marks a moment of profound gratitude and represents the power of unified prayer and action across the Jewish world.
“Sasha is coming home! Our hearts are overflowing with joy!” announced Rabbi Chaim Danzinger, Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary of Rostov-on-Don.
Hours after Shabbat concluded—during which his grandmother, who observes Shabbat, walked to the hospital for their reunion—Sasha participated in an emotional video conference with Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar.
“I truly appreciate everything you did, you are really wonderful people,” Sasha expressed with deep emotion. “You have a giant heart and continue what you are doing. You have great faith and great heart, thank you!”
Elana, Sasha’s mother, excitedly called upon Jewish women and girls worldwide to light Shabbat candles in the merit of the hostages’ release.
In a deeply moving encounter this morning, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar met with Sasha at the latter’s request. During this significant meeting, Sasha put on tefillin for the first time in his life and recited the Shema Yisrael prayer with profound devotion.
In their conversation, Sasha spoke about the powerful faith that sustained him throughout his hundreds of days in captivity. He shared how his trust in the Almighty provided him with tremendous strength and reinforcement during this challenging period.
The journey to Sasha’s freedom was marked by both tragedy and divine providence. During the October 7th attack, he was taken captive alongside his mother Elena, grandmother Irina, and his partner Sapir. His father tragically lost his life during the attack—a devastating loss that Sasha only learned about after his release. May his father’s memory be blessed.
The women’s earlier release came following what the community views as a miraculous intervention: a special women’s Challah baking ceremony organized in Rostov-on-Don. The very next day after this spiritual gathering, Elena, Irina, and Sapir were freed.
Sasha’s connection to Rostov runs deep. Born in the city, he immigrated to Israel with his mother Elena at age two. His grandmother Irina maintained strong ties to the community, regularly attending classes at the Rostov Synagogue and Jewish Community Center until making aliyah approximately a year before October 7th.
Throughout his captivity, Jewish communities across Russia and the FSU countries united in unprecedented ways, organizing numerous Torah study sessions and acts of kindness in his merit. Rabbi Berel Lazar worked tirelessly behind the scenes, maintaining close contact with various parties involved in negotiation efforts.
The special bond between Sasha and the Russian Jewish community exemplifies the enduring connection between Russian Jews who have made aliyah and their communities of origin.
As the community celebrates Sasha’s return, prayers continue for all remaining hostages. Rabbi Danzinger emphasized this ongoing commitment: “We continue to pray for the safe return of all the remaining hostages.”
