Released hostage Sasha Trufanov dons tefilin a day after release

Alexander "Sasha" Trufanov, released on February 15, 2025, after spending over 16 months in captivity, took his first steps toward Jewish religious practice today under the guidance of Russia's Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar. During an emotional visit, Trufanov put on tefillin - Jewish prayer phylacteries - for the first time in his life, marking a significant personal milestone in his post-release journey.

Rabbi Lazar, showing support for the former hostage's spiritual path, presented Trufanov with his own set of tefillin and a Chitas (a compilation of Hassidic Jewish texts), both personalized with his name. The gesture symbolizes the broader community's commitment to supporting the hostages' recovery process, not just physically but spiritually as well.

The story of Sasha's religious exploration mirrors a similar path taken by his mother, Yelena Trufanov, who was also held captive by Hamas but was released in November 2023. Since her liberation, Yelena has experienced a profound spiritual transformation, becoming increasingly observant of Jewish traditions. Her commitment to faith became particularly evident as she awaited her son's release, arriving near the Gaza border a day early to avoid traveling on Shabbat.

The mother-son duo's story represents an unexpected outcome of their traumatic experience - a deepening connection to their Jewish heritage. While Yelena found solace in religious observance during the agonizing wait for her son's freedom, encouraging others to light Shabbat candles and pray for the hostages' return, Sasha now begins his own spiritual journey under the guidance of Jewish religious leaders.

Their family's story, marked by tragedy with the loss of Sasha's father Vitaly during the October 7 attack, has evolved into a narrative of resilience and spiritual growth. Yelena's public advocacy, speaking in both Hebrew and Russian at rallies in Tel Aviv, coupled with her growing religious observance, has inspired many within the community.