Released from captivity in the Gaza Strip as part of the first phase of the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, 29-year-old Russian-Israeli Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Troufanov celebrated his return to Israel on Sunday with a traditional Jewish prayer and ritual, less than 24 hours after his freedom was secured.

#WATCH: Just one day after returning from Hamas captivity, Sasha Troufanov met with Russia's Rabbi Berel Lazar, who helped him put on Tefillin for the first time in his life.

After putting on the Tefillin, Rabbi Lazar gifted him new Tefillin and a Chumash.

Mevaser Tov Moscow pic.twitter.com/UiCrFaZznF

— Israel National News – Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) February 16, 2025

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