Israeli hostages Sasha Trufanov and Sapir Koen, who were released from Hamas captivity, have married and started family life.
The couple's wedding ceremony took place on the evening of July 5. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife, as well as former hostages, family members and numerous guests attended the ceremony.
Sasha Trufanov and Sapir Koen were abducted from a relative's home in Nir-Oz kibbutz during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and taken to the Gaza Strip. Trufanov reported being beaten and sustaining knife wounds while being taken captive. Koen, who attempted to hide, was also found by armed men and taken hostage.
Sapir Koen was released in November 2023 as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Sasha Trufanov remained in captivity for more than 400 days before being released in February 2025. He underwent a lengthy course of treatment for the severe injuries he sustained during captivity.
Trufanov's family also suffered heavy losses during the attack. His mother Yelena Trufanova and grandmother Irena Tati were taken hostage but were later released. His father Vitali Trufanov was killed during Hamas's attack on October 7.
After returning from captivity, Sasha Trufanov proposed to Sapir Koen. In a later statement, Koen said that while Trufanov was in captivity, she hoped he would survive and return, as she did not believe he would start a family with someone else.
Speaking at the wedding ceremony, Sasha Trufanov expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and everyone who fought for their release.
President Isaac Herzog, who spoke at the ceremony, said that all of Israel prayed for their safe return.
"When you returned home, we all welcomed you with great joy and tears. Today it is a great honor for us to celebrate this happy day with you and bless your family life."
The wedding of Sasha Trufanov and Sapir Koen has resonated widely in Israeli society. The couple's decision to start a family is seen as a symbol of the determination of those who survived Hamas captivity to rebuild their lives and hope for the future.