Hostage Sasha Trufanov. Photo: newsru.co.il.
Islamic Jihad publishes second video in two days in which hostage Sasha Trufanov from Gaza appeals to Aryeh Deri to influence government to rescue hostages
On Friday, 15 November, Islamic Jihad released another video with hostage Sasha Trufanov, who has been held in Gaza for 406 days. This is the second video published by the terrorist organisation in the last two days. The first one appeared on 13 November and was timed to coincide with Sasha’s 29th birthday, which he celebrated in captivity. This was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to Vesty.
The family has not yet given consent to the publication of this video. All that is known is that it was filmed in the same place as the first one. This time, a photo of the leader of the SAS party, Arie Deri, is visible in the background.
According to media reports, Sasha Trufanov, in his address, asks Aryeh Deri to use all his influence on the Prime Minister to ensure that the hostages in Gaza are not left to fend for themselves. Trufanov also expresses his fears about the IDF’s entry into Lebanon, warning that this could lead to a loss of attention to their fate.
Sasha Trufanov’s call: a memory of hostages during everyday life
In his previous video, Sasha addressed his family and the citizens of Israel, telling them about the burden of his long stay in captivity. “I have been here in captivity for a year,” he said sadly. “I would like to ask the Israelis: every time you eat or drink, remember us – the hostages. We are not able to enjoy food or water.”
In his appeal, Trufanov also says that his life is under threat, mainly “because of the military actions aimed at liberation”. He added that the only positive thing that has been done is the first ceasefire, calling for hostages to be kept in mind.
The mother’s touching words and the story of the abduction
Sasha’s mother, Elena Trufanova, gave permission for the first video to be published. “I am happy that my son is alive and that he is managing to survive in the terrible conditions of captivity,” she told Ynet. “At the same time, it is clear that he is losing hope and getting frustrated. I am very worried about his health. Sasha, hold on, don’t lose hope. We will not stop fighting for your release until you return home.”
Sasha was kidnapped on 7 October 2023, along with his mother Olena, grandmother Irina and friend Sapir Cohen from the Nir Oz kibbutz. The three women were released during the first exchange deal in November last year, after 54 and 55 days of captivity. Sasha’s father, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed by Hamas on 7 October. Sasha and his girlfriend, who had come to the kibbutz to visit their family, spent the night in a separate guest house, which made it difficult to find information about their fate for a long time.
