Former Hamas Captive Removes Tattoo That Revealed His Jewish Identity in Gaza

Rom Breslavsky, who was held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for about a year, has undergone laser tattoo removal of a mark on his hand that identified him as Jewish to his captors. He shared an emotional post on Wednesday describing the painful process and the significance of removing the tattoo, which had been a source of suffering during his captivity. Breslavsky recounted how the militants forced him to wear a jacket in the intense Gaza heat to conceal the tattoo, which he said was ironic since Jewish law forbids tattoos.

Breslavsky expressed deep gratitude to God for his freedom and the ability to remove the tattoo, stating his commitment to serve the divine despite the physical pain involved in the laser treatment. He reflected on the hardships he endured during captivity and thanked God for the trials, calling them part of his Jewish identity. His story highlights the spiritual journey he has undergone since his release, including his recent decision to wear a large kippah, which drew public attention.

The issue of tattoo removal among those who return to religious observance is a known challenge, with rabbinic authorities debating the obligation to remove tattoos. Rabbi Binyamin Chuta addressed this in a halachic column, and Rabbi Asa Paz, who runs a charity for tattoo removal, noted that many yeshiva students have tattoos and undergo similar processes after returning to religious life. Breslavsky’s experience adds to this broader context of spiritual transformation and physical healing after trauma.