Freed hostage puts on tefillin for first time
Ex-hostage Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Troufanov celebrated his release by donning tefillin (phylacteries worn during prayers) for the first time in his life. Helped by Rabbi Berel Lazar of Moscow, he then recited the “Shema Yisrael” prayer. His mother had urged Israelis to light Shabbat candles.
Avi and Eden are engaged
During her national service, Eden was assigned to “OneFamily - overcoming terror together,” and worked at Loewenstein rehab hospital. She met Avi, a critically injured Golani Brigade commander. A friendship flourished between them - and now they are getting married.
Returning home
Israel’s Ministry of Social Affairs has unveiled a structured support plan for the tens of thousands of northern residents returning to their homes from Mar 1. Social workers and therapists have been provided with guidelines; families should visit their homes in stages to plan repairs and redecoration.
Stock options for reservist employees
Israel’s HiBob (see previously) is showing its appreciation to its employees, granting 1,800 options to every employee who served more than 30 days of IDF reserve duty during the Swords of Iron War. HiBob’s CEO highlighted military service as “a cornerstone of Israel’s strength.”
From farms to frontlines
On the Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) alternative winter break trip to Israel, 30 US students brought joy to kids at youth centers, worked on farms, raised funds for ADI Negev in their “Run for Inclusion”, and connected to the land and its people.
LEGO man is still building
For the last 14 years, the “The Lego Man” Maor Cohen (see previously) has brought over 10,000 Lego sets to children with cancer. Since Oct. 7 he has taken on a new role: bringing Lego to injured Israeli soldiers. And now, for returned hostages, including the Thai captives.
Trains resume to Sderot
The Sderot-Ashkelon train line resumed operations for the first time since Oct 7 2023. The IDF has prepared for the line to reopen by deploying new technologies, physical defenses and surveillance capabilities costing NIS 40 million.
Released hostages plant trees at hospital
A few days before Tu Bishvat (New Year for Trees) the five IDF female lookouts, who returned from Hamas captivity, planted olive trees at the entrance to Beilinson Hospital on the day they were discharged. The olive tree symbolizes stability, continuity, and resilience.
Standing together
Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress, met with IDF soldier Ari Spitz. Rep Mast lost his legs in Afghanistan; Ari lost his in Gaza; both have prosthetic legs. Rep Mast said, “As the only member to serve with both the US Army and the IDF, I will always stand with Israel.”
I chose faith
In footage of her helicopter flight from Gaza to hospital, released hostage Agam Berger wrote and displayed a message to the world. It said, “I chose a path of faith and I returned through a path of faith.” Agam observed Shabbat, fasted Tisha b’Av; wouldn’t eat non-kosher meat, or cook for her captors on Shabbat.