Released hostage Alexander (Sasha) Tropanov, who spent nearly 500 days in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, visited prominent haredi Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein at his home in Bnei Brak to thank him for the many prayers said for him and for all the hostages, and also to recite the Gomel blessing a Jewish prayer of thanksgiving after surviving a dangerous situation.
During the visit, Rabbi Silberstein recited the Shehecheyanu blessing to celebrate unique occasions on a new tallit that he had prepared especially for this moment, but he became choked up and he burst into tears. This scene left a deep impression on everyone in the room.
Sasha Troufanov Meets Rabbi Yitzhock Zilberstein
Zilberstein - one of the most senior rabbis in the Haredi world who met with families of the Gaza hostages in recent months - told Troufanov: "You are a symbol of the Jewish nation. Jewish history will remember you and the other hostages, and you can no longer see yourself as just a private person. You must continue to sanctify the name of heaven." The rabbi added that every Shabbat he prayed especially for Troufanov, Keith Siegel and Naama Levy.
The rabbi then strengthened Troufanov with words of faith and confidence, noting that every moment of the Jewish captivity is a testament to the resilience of the eternal people.
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The meeting with released hostage Sasha Toufanov at Rabbi Yitzhok Zilberstein's home in Bnei Brak
"God has given you a significant role," the rabbi said. "You should serve as an example of the spiritual strength of the people of Israel, which continues to exist and prevail despite all the trials and complex challenges."
Troufanov, who was moved to tears, told the rabbi about the difficult moments he had experienced in captivity and the strength he drew from thoughts of his family and the people of Israel. "I knew that people were praying for me," he said. "Even there, in the great darkness, I felt that I was not alone, and faith in the One who sits on high strengthened me. I was freed only by the grace of God and not by anything else."
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He thanked the rabbi for the moving welcome, noting that the visit gave him immense strength to continue on his journey. "I left here with renewed strength, and I thank the rabbi and the people of Israel for their prayers in my behalf. I ask that you not give up and continue to pray until the last of the hostages returns," he said.
At the end of the meeting, the rabbi placed his hands on Troufanov's head, and those present broke out in singing, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever."
The special visit was initiated by haredi media personality Yisrael Cohen and Rabbi Dovid Druck, chairman of the Kissufim organization, which accompanies many hostage families. The visit was also attended by Troufanov's mother, who became more religious during captivity, as well as other family members who were released from the Hamas tunnels and have since become stronger in observing Torah and mitzvot.