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Saturday, February 15, 2025
Families thank IDF, Israeli people as loved ones return
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The families of the hostages issue statements following their release.
Sasha Troufanov’s family says, “We are overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for Sasha’s return home after 498 long and tormenting days in captivity. On October 7, Sasha was brutally kidnapped from his home and shot in both legs. Seeing him today strengthens us and gives us great hope for the long rehabilitation process ahead of him.”
They thank IDF soldiers, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum “and especially all citizens of Israel for their embrace, support and unwavering faith.”
At the same time, they note they do not know whether Troufanov knows his father was murdered on October 7.
“This knowledge – or lack thereof – will completely transform his homecoming from a day of great joy to one of deep mourning for his beloved father,” they say.
The family of Iair Horn says: “Now we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza. Now, we need to bring [hostage brother] Eitan back so our family can truly breathe.
“We thank the IDF soldiers and security forces who risk their lives and bodies, and send condolences to the bereaved families who lost their most precious ones for all of us. You are forever in our hearts.
“We won’t stop and will continue working to bring Eitan and all other hostages home.״
Sagui Dekel-Chen’s family adds: “Our Sagui is home. A friend, son, partner and most importantly a father has returned… He was so far away and now he’s finally on Israeli soil, with us.
“In the coming hours, he will begin his rehabilitation process, he will meet his daughters Gali and Bar, and for the first time meet his little daughter, Shahar, who was born while he was in captivity. Our hearts ache for everything he missed, but now he’s here, unlike many others.”
It stresses that “there are many more families waiting for their loved ones, and many children waiting for their fathers. We did everything we could on all fronts to reach this moment, and we will continue to act until the last hostage returns home — this is our duty. Thank you to everyone who supported, acted, and helped. Thank you to the people of Israel and everyone who joined in the struggle to bring back Sagui and the rest of the hostages.״
The Times of Israel Community.