An ’emotional moment’: Former hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen are married

Former hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen were married this evening, some 17 months following Troufanov’s release from captivity in Gaza.

Both were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, terror attack, while visiting family there. The two had only recently moved in together in Ramat Gan. Troufanov said that after breaking into their home, terrorists punched him and stabbed his shoulder, and that despite having wrapped herself in a blanket and hiding under the bed, they found Cohen.

Cohen was released two months later, during the November 2023 ceasefire, but Troufanov’s release would not come until February 2025, after more than 400 days in captivity. He had to undergo extensive medical treatments upon his return, due to untreated injuries to his legs, where he was shot by the terrorists.

Troufanov’s mother Yelena and grandmother Irena Tati were also kidnapped and released. His father Vitaly was murdered during the onslaught.

Troufanov proposed a few months after his release.

In a press conference shortly after Troufanov was freed, Cohen said he told her he had prayed in captivity that she would find another man to love, as he believed he would never be coming home.

“Last night, Sasha told me that during all this time [since he was taken hostage and held in Gaza], he prayed for me to find a man to love, prayed that I wouldn’t wait for him,” she said, her voice shaking. “He didn’t want me waiting for a man he thought would never return home. He didn’t believe he would survive.”

Today he tells assembled guests, which include several other former hostages: “I want to thank you for coming today to share this joy with us, this evening, this emotional moment. You’ve been with us every step of the way. Thank you so much. I love you.”

Mazal tov!!!

Former hostages Sasha Tropanov and Sapir Cohen are getting married right now pic.twitter.com/BbnKQ2ydRv

— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) July 5, 2026