Hostage Sasha Trupanov Recounts Finding Faith During 498 Days in Gaza Captivity

Sasha Trupanov, who was held captive in Gaza for 498 days after being abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, shared his profound spiritual journey during his captivity on Channel 14's program 'Thirsty Souls.' Trupanov, who described himself as secular before October 7, explained that the loss of his life as he knew it left him without the tools to cope. "When I reached the situation of October 7th," he stated, "I didn't have the tools to deal with this challenge."

He recounted a pivotal moment after months in captivity, following what he described as 'hell in Khan Younis.' Transferred to Rafah and placed in a small wooden cage surrounded by armed, masked militants, Trupanov began to shift his perspective. He realized he could not control his circumstances but only his reaction to them. "If God gives you this life, then you've won," he told himself. "If not, that's your part. You had 27 good years, a few bad months, all in all, it's okay."

His fiancée, Sapir Cohen, who was also held captive for 55 days, shared that even before October 7, their relationship was at a complex point, and she had prayed for a sign about their future. Upon Trupanov's return, one of his first statements was, "Mom, I know there is God." Cohen expressed her astonishment at this declaration. Trupanov's mother, Yelena, revealed she had become religious, a development Trupanov embraced, telling his mother, "Mom, I'm happy. I'm happy to hear, you are on the right path."

Trupanov's mother and Cohen had taken on religious observances, including Shabbat, for his release. Yelena Trupanov stated that her son understood in captivity that his life was not in his own hands but "only in the Holy One, Blessed be He." Cohen also spoke of her own prayer and faith during captivity, reciting Psalms daily and praying not for immediate release but for the right timing.

Trupanov's connection to faith has continued post-release. He was seen laying tefillin with Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the day after his return. He and Cohen later visited the Western Wall for a prayer of thanksgiving. Reflecting on his time in Gaza's "dark tunnels," Trupanov felt the holiness at the Wall and urged continued prayers for the remaining hostages. He expressed his dreams of starting a family and making a meaningful contribution, while also committing to preserving the spiritual lessons learned during his ordeal, stating, "I also truly have great faith that everything will be okay in the end."