Released hostage Sasha Troufanov: Don’t let revenge, anger and rage get the upper hand

Sasha Troufanov, who was released from Hamas captivity on February 15, says in a video message to the crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square that he “can’t process the fact that I’m here and there are still people who haven’t returned.”

“Captivity is an insane mind game — you’re always faced with the thought that ‘if I don’t get out in this deal, there probably won’t be another deal I’ll get out in,'” says Troufanov.

Referring to ubiquitous posters featuring photographs of hostages, Troufanov says, “The fact that they’re here next to me, but they’re not — they’re just picture — is something that is difficult for me, and I’m sure it’s more difficult for their families.”

Now that he’s on the side of those yearning for their loved ones’ release, “Suddenly, I understand what it’s like, and it’s overwhelming for me,” he says.

סשה טרופנוב במסר ראשון בכיכר החטופים: "אל תתנו לרגשות נקמה, כעס וזעם להיות מעל ערכי אחדות וקידוש חיי אדם"@AnnaPines_
(צילום: מטה משפחות החטופים) pic.twitter.com/2B5RezR6Oq

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 1, 2025

“Isn’t it time to release the people there?” he asks. “The people who pray so hard to come home?”

“When I talk about returning the hostages, I mean all of them — living and dead,” he says. “Every family wants closure.”

He asks the the public, “don’t let feelings of revenge, anger and rage get the upper hand over values of unity, fraternity and sanctity of human life.

Troufanov thanks “each and every one of the people who have supported, helped and wised for my return home — I’m here thanks to you.”