WATCH: A mother’s powerful message: Unity is Israel’s strength, says Yelena Trufanov

Released on February 15, 2025, Sasha endured the October 7 kibbutz raid, abduction, and Gaza imprisonment alongside his mother, a fellow survivor. In a moving video by *Moment of Wisdom*, Yelena recounts the terror of the attack, her daily prayers in darkness, and the anguish of not knowing if her son was alive. “I’m not angry at anyone,” she says. “This blow was meant to unite us. When we’re united, we’re strong.” Remarkably, she recalls a Hamas captor’s words: “When Israel is united, it’s strong.” Her message to the nation is clear: togetherness is Israel’s greatest weapon.

A Tale of Resilience and Revelation

Yelena’s story is one of raw pain and profound insight. As Hamas stormed their kibbutz, she and Sasha were torn from their lives, plunged into Gaza’s shadows for over 16 months. Her prayers sustained her through the uncertainty, and his return—after 498 days—brought relief tinged with reflection. She doesn’t harbor resentment, viewing the ordeal as a call to cohesion. The captor’s unintended lesson only reinforces her belief: Israel’s unity is its unbreakable shield.