Wire

Sign in to baba News

One account across the web, iPhone and Android — your subscription follows it.

or use an email code

Search stories

Type at least two characters. Results come from every newsroom baba reads.

↑↓ to move · ↵ to open · esc to close

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to keep asking. News Plus removes the daily limit.

or use an email code

Now 14Security

Former Hamas Captive Rom Breslavsky Removes Tattoo Revealing His Jewish Identity

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

Right

Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Rom Breslavsky, a former Hamas captive in Gaza, removed a tattoo that revealed his Jewish identity, which he was forced to hide during captivity. He underwent painful laser removal as a spiritual act of returning to his faith, expressing gratitude for his freedom and resilience.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Rom Breslavsky removed a tattoo that revealed his Jewish identity after release from Hamas captivity.
  • During captivity, Hamas forced him to hide the tattoo to prevent exposure of his faith.
  • He chose laser removal despite the pain as a spiritual return to his religious roots.
  • Breslavsky thanked God for surviving captivity and expressed pride in his Jewish identity.
  • The tattoo removal marked a symbolic closure to his ordeal and a renewed commitment to serve God.
Former Hamas Captive Rom Breslavsky Removes Tattoo Revealing His Jewish Identity
Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Rom Breslavsky, who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza and released about six months ago, has shared his decision to remove a tattoo from his arm that revealed his Jewish identity. During his captivity, Hamas militants forced him to wear a thick jacket in the hot summer months to conceal the tattoo, fearing that if discovered, it would expose his Jewish faith. Breslavsky described the tattoo as an ironic and painful symbol that betrayed his identity to his captors, despite religious prohibitions against such markings.

Now free, Breslavsky chose to undergo a laser tattoo removal process, accepting the physical pain as part of a spiritual return to his religious roots. He expressed readiness to endure suffering "for the sake of the Holy One, blessed be He," and even thanked God for the hardships he endured during captivity. The removal concluded with Breslavsky reciting the blessing "Shehecheyanu," affirming his pride in his Jewish identity and thanking the medical team who assisted him.

Breslavsky's story highlights the complex challenges faced by Jewish captives in Gaza and his personal journey of faith and resilience following his release. He emphasized his commitment to serve God and described the tattoo removal as both a physical and spiritual closure to his ordeal.

Now 14Right · Jerusalem

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

Mentioned

Open the Wire