Israeli Hostages Sasha Troponov and Sapir Cohen Marry After Harrowing Captivity

Sasha Troponov and Sapir Cohen, both former hostages of Hamas, were married in a moving ceremony at Alma event hall, touching the hearts of many across Israel. Among the guests was fellow former captive Rom Braslavski, who shared a poignant Instagram post recalling the horrors they endured together during their captivity in Gaza.

Braslavski described the terrifying conditions they faced, including collapsing buildings and being crammed into a vehicle’s trunk during their imprisonment in Rafah. He expressed relief and gratitude that they were now free and celebrating Troponov’s wedding to Cohen, whom he called "a couple of warriors." Braslavski also recalled how their paths crossed about a year after the October 7 massacre, when they were held together by Islamic Jihad in Rafah.

Troponov and Cohen’s story is one of the most well-known from the October 7 Hamas attack. They were abducted from Troponov’s family home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, along with his mother and grandmother. Cohen was released in the first hostage exchange in November 2023, while Troponov remained captive for nearly 500 days until his release in February 2025.

In his post, Braslavski wished the couple a lifetime of happiness and children who would never know war. He also honored Troponov’s father, Vitaly, who was killed during the massacre and is remembered with pride. The wedding symbolizes a moment of hope and resilience after the traumatic ordeal shared by these survivors.