Yelena Tropnov Celebrates Son Sasha’s Wedding After Hamas Captivity
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Yelena Tropnov celebrated her son Sasha’s wedding to fellow captive Sapir Cohen after their release from Hamas captivity. The event marked a hopeful new chapter following long periods of imprisonment and personal loss, attended by prominent figures including President Isaac Herzog.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Sasha Tropnov and Sapir Cohen, both former Hamas captives, married after their release.
- Sasha was held captive for 498 days, Sapir freed in the first prisoner exchange deal.
- Yelena smuggled a hopeful wedding drawing from captivity hidden in her bra.
- Yelena postponed visiting her late husband’s grave until Sasha’s return.
- Sasha returned more sensitive and reflective after prolonged solitary captivity.
- The wedding was attended by President Isaac Herzog and many captivity survivors.
Yelena Tropnov, a survivor of Hamas captivity, expressed deep emotion following her son Sasha Tropnov’s wedding to Sapir Cohen, both released from Hamas captivity after prolonged periods. Sasha was held captive for 498 days, while Sapir was freed in the first prisoner exchange deal. Speaking on Kan News Radio, Yelena described the wedding as a joyous and long-awaited event, saying, "We prayed for this for so long." She recalled the celebration as dreamlike, with many who supported them during their ordeal joining to dance and rejoice.
Yelena shared a poignant story about a drawing made by fellow captive Emilia Aloni during their shared captivity, depicting Sasha and Sapir’s wedding before Yelena even knew if her son was alive. She smuggled the drawing out hidden in her bra despite strict prohibitions, as it gave her hope. Yelena also revealed her painful decision not to visit her late husband Vitaly Tropnov’s grave, who was murdered on October 7, until Sasha returned. After Sasha’s release, they visited the grave together to share news of the wedding.
Regarding Sasha’s transformation, Yelena said he returned a more sensitive and faithful person after spending 495 of his 498 days in captivity alone, using the time for deep reflection. The young couple now plans to build a home and focus on their future, hoping to start a family. The wedding was attended by many guests, including President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, as well as numerous fellow captivity survivors who became like family during the difficult wait.
The event highlighted the resilience and hope of families affected by captivity, underscoring the personal and national impact of the hostage crisis and subsequent releases.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 4Right 3Haredi 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
