After enduring 498 days of captivity under Hamas in Gaza, Alexander “Sasha” Tropanov embarked on his inaugural journey to the United States since his release. His visit commenced with a poignant stop at Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn, where he was warmly received and accompanied by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters and Rabbi Levi Lazar of Chabad Moscow.
In a moving gesture, Chabad leaders granted Tropanov access to the Rebbe’s private study within the iconic “770” building. Accompanied by fellow former hostage Sapir Cohen, Tropanov was invited to don tefillin—the sacred ritual he first experienced just hours after his release, when Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia, visited him and helped him put them on for the very first time.
This spiritual journey continued as Tropanov proceeded to the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, the most visited Jewish sacred site outside of Israel, drawing approximately one million visitors annually. There, he fervently prayed for those still held captive and for the well-being of his brethren in the Holy Land. He also expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Chabad Shluchim worldwide, acknowledging their relentless efforts in supporting and uniting Jewish life across the globe.
Reflecting on his harrowing ordeal, Tropanov had previously shared in a message broadcasted at a Tel Aviv rally: “It’s important for me to speak out. Even though I was released not long ago, the thought of those still there never leaves me. Every hour, every minute, I can’t fully grasp that I’m free while many haven’t returned.”
