Yelena Troufanov, “If I made it through everything I’ve faced and can now help others, then I believe anything is possible.”
By Shula Rosen
Former hostage Yelena Troufanov, along with numerous volunteers, spends her days gathering clothing and other supplies for those who have been injured and, in some cases, lost their homes and possessions during Iran’s missile attacks.
Troufanov and her family have endured unthinkable suffering at the hands of Hamas. Yet they are prepared to make the sacrifice — amid sirens and the aftermath of Iran’s destructive missiles — to care for others.
Troufanov’s husband, Vitaly, was murdered on Oct. 7, when Hamas invaded Kibbutz Nir Oz. The terrorists took her hostage, along with her mother, Irina; her son, Sasha; and Sasha’s partner, Sapir Cohen.
The three women were freed in the initial hostage release agreement in November 2023. Sasha was released in February 2025, and the family was reunited after months of agony and uncertainty.
Since the launch of Operation Rising Lion, Troufanov, who now lives in Ramat Gan, has been organizing clothing for evacuees and those who have lost their homes.
“If I made it through everything I’ve faced and can now help others, then I believe anything is possible,” she told Ynet. “The evacuees are glad to see me. They say it gives them hope.”
“People from across the country have brought things here,” she added, noting a business owner from Ashkelon who donated brand-new items from her shop. “This truly reflects the spirit of our people.”
During a visit with evacuees this week, Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen met Troufanov at the donation center and was profoundly touched. “The emotional resilience she shows—overcoming her trauma to support displaced families—is nothing short of remarkable,” he said.
“If I’m able to help others through difficult times, why wouldn’t I?” Troufanov responded.
“I really hope the success of the campaign with Iran helps bring all of our hostages home—and soon. They’re out of time. The living need a chance to heal, and the fallen deserve a proper burial in Israel. That is our moral duty.”
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