Top Russian rabbi helps freed Gaza captive put on tefillin

(JNS) — Alexandre (“Sasha”) Troufanov, who was released yesterday from Hamas captivity in Gaza, put on tefillin for the first time on Sunday, with the help of Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar.

Lazar gave Troufanov, who is a dual citizen of Israel and Russia, a tefillin set and a Chumash—a copy of the Torah in book form—the Charedim 10 news site reported.  In a video conversation on Sunday, Troufanov thanked Lazar for working to free him and other hostages.

“I truly appreciate everything you have done. You are wonderful people, you have a huge heart and strong faith. Thank you for all the support and encouragement for my mother during this difficult time. I would love to meet you as soon as possible. In the meantime, I continue to hear about everything you have done,” Troufanov told Lazar, who is a Chabad rabbi.

Tefillin sets consist of scrolls, small boxes and leather straps that men use to affix the boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah to their head and forearm while praying, typically during morning prayers. Chabad rabbis are known for encouraging this custom among Jews.

Lazar, who has tied to many high-ranking Russian officials, has lobbied to have Moscow use its influence in the Arab world to ensure the release of Troufanov, 29, and another Russian citizen, Maxim Herkin, 36, who is still being held hostage in Gaza.

On Friday, Troufanov’s mother, Yelena, asked the people of Israel to light Shabbat candles and pray for the safe return of all captives.

“Pray and ask for all our captives to come home safely and for peace, tranquility, and security in Israel and for the Jewish people,” she said.

Troufanov’s father, Vitali, did not survive the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yelena, Troufanov’s grandmother Irina and his girlfriend, Sapir Cohen, were kidnapped to Gaza and exchanged for terrorists held by Israel after about 50 days. He stayed there for 498 days.