Unforgettable Encounter of Faith, Courage & Unity with Former Hostages Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov

This wasn’t just an event—it was a moment of raw truth, resilience, and unity. We came together not only to listen, but to bear witness.

Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov, kidnapped from Nir Oz and torn apart in captivity, shared their stories with remarkable strength. Sapir spent 55 days in Gaza’s tunnels. Sasha survived 498 days. In the depths of darkness and despair, they held on—to faith, to identity, and to Hashem’s unseen hand.

Their testimony wasn’t easy to hear—but it was necessary. In sharing their pain, they also revealed incredible courage. They survived by clinging to hope, to God, and to the dream of reuniting with their loved ones. Their words reminded us what Jewish perseverance and emunah (faith) truly look like when put to the test.

This intimate conversation sparked a renewed sense of purpose in our community—to stand with those still captive, to support those healing, and to never let these stories fade. The event also became a force for tzedakah, helping provide Sapir, Sasha, and other survivors with vital emotional and financial support.

The photos above capture some of that emotion—the tears, the strength, the solidarity. They now belong to all of us, part of our shared memory and mission as Am Yisrael. Thank you for showing up, for caring, and for making sure these voices are heard.

Special thanks to Keith Rubenstein for co-moderating, and to Jay and Terri Bialsky for hosting the reception that followed.

May we continue to bring light into the darkest places—and never stop hoping, praying, and acting on behalf of one another.