Released Hostage Sasha Troufanov Provides Hopeful Update on Rom Braslavski Captive Security Guard
Former hostage Alexander (“Sasha”) Troufanov shared a message that has brought a glimmer of hope to the family and friends of Rom Braslavski, a young Israeli security guard who has been held captive since October 2023. Troufanov, who was released last month after enduring 498 days in captivity, revealed in a video message that he had briefly met Braslavski during their imprisonment, marking the first public indication of Braslavski’s status since his abduction.
Braslavski, now 20, was serving as a security guard at the Nova desert rave on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal assault on the event. Demonstrating remarkable courage, Braslavski assisted in rescuing attendees amidst the chaos. He contacted his mother around 10:30 a.m. that day, assuring her of his safety and expressing his intention to return home shortly. Witnesses reported that he successfully led two young women to safety but sustained injuries to both hands in the process. Undeterred, he continued his rescue efforts and was last seen around 1:30 p.m., aiding a young woman who had been hiding, before he disappeared and was later confirmed to have been taken hostage by Hamas.
Troufanov’s recent message has provided the first public confirmation that Braslavski was alive during their time in captivity. In his heartfelt address, Troufanov expressed his inability to fully rejoice in his own freedom while others, like Braslavski, remain captive. He conveyed a personal message to Braslavski, stating, “Rom, I hope my voice will give you light and hope in the dark place where you are. I want you to know that myself, your friends, family, and all of Israel are praying for you and doing everything we can to secure your release.”
This revelation has reignited hope among Braslavski’s family and supporters. His mother, who has been vocal about her son’s bravery and the anguish of his captivity, has previously highlighted his selflessness, noting that he risked his life to save others, even attempting to retrieve the bodies of the fallen to ensure they were treated with dignity.
Troufanov’s ordeal began when he was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attacks. His family suffered immensely, with his father, Vitaliy, tragically killed during the assault. His mother, Elena, and grandmother, Irena, were also taken captive but were released in November 2023. Troufanov’s girlfriend, Sapir Cohen, who was abducted alongside him, was also freed in November 2023.
Upon his release, Troufanov reunited with his family and took the opportunity to express gratitude for his freedom. Demonstrating his faith and resilience, he donned tefillin for the first time since his captivity, with assistance from Rabbi Berel Lazar, the chief rabbi of Russia.
The news of Braslavski’s confirmed status has galvanized efforts to secure his release. His family, friends, and supporters continue to advocate tirelessly, organizing rallies and engaging with authorities to keep his plight in the public eye. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all hostages, emphasizing that every effort is being made through diplomatic and strategic channels.