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Hope Helped Me Survive Captivity in Gaza—the Remaining Hostages Also Need Hope

Hope Helped Me Survive Captivity in Gaza—the Remaining Hostages Also Need Hope
Released hostage Sasha Troufanov sits with his grandmother in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Feb. 15, 2025. GPO/Handout via Reuters
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Commentary

I came home. But I haven’t fully returned. Even now, months after being freed from captivity in Gaza, the experience continues to haunt me. It lives in every quiet moment. I may no longer be underground, but part of me still is. Freedom gave me back my life—but not my peace. And it didn’t bring everyone home.

Sasha Troufanov
Sasha Troufanov
Author
Sasha Troufanov is a survivor of Hamas captivity. He was released in a hostage deal in January 2025 after more than a year in captivity in Gaza.