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.
https://worldisraelnews.com/freed-hostage-puts-on-tefillin-for-the-first-time/