Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, Meets Released Hostage Sasha Troufanov

Just a day after being released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, where he had been held for 498 days, Russian-Israeli citizen Sasha Troufanov met with the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar. During the meeting, Rabbi Lazar assisted Sasha in putting on Tefillin for the first time in his life.

Right after Shabbos, Sasha’s mother, expressed her gratitude in a phone call with Rabbi Lazar for his tireless efforts throughout the difficult period. Since the family’s abduction to Gaza and the tragic murder of Sasha’s father, Rabbi Lazar and his family had been there for them, offering support and hosting them through all the hardships. Rabbi Lazar was also instrumental in the international efforts for Sasha’s release, meeting with key figures in Russia.

Sasha, deeply moved by the ongoing support, expressed his heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Lazar in a video call hours after his release. He also requested to meet with the Chief Rabbi as soon as possible. During today’s meeting, Rabbi Lazar also gifted him a new set of Tefillin and a Chumash.

Sasha was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during Simchas Torah, along with several family members, including his grandmother, a regular attendee at the Chabad Shul in Rostov, Russia, and a well-known figure in the local Russian Jewish community.