The families of recently freed hostages, Sasha Troufanov, Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed deep gratitude and mixed emotions as their loved ones returned home after months in Hamas captivity.
In a statement, Troufanov’s family said they were “overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude” after his release, following 498 days of captivity.
They recalled the traumatic events of October 7, when he was kidnapped from his home and shot in both legs.
While relieved to have him back, the family noted that he remains unaware of his father’s murder on that same day, calling it a heartbreaking revelation that could change the nature of his homecoming.
“We thank the IDF soldiers, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, and all citizens of Israel for their support, embrace, and unwavering faith,” the family said.
The Horn family echoed the sentiment, celebrating Iair’s return but stating that their ordeal is far from over.
“Now we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza. Now, we need to bring [hostage brother] Eitan back so our family can truly breathe,” they stated.
They also paid tribute to the IDF soldiers and security forces who put their lives at risk, expressing condolences to families who have lost loved ones.
“We won’t stop and will continue working to bring Eitan and all other hostages home,” they vowed.
For Sagui Dekel-Chen’s family, the joy of his return was tinged with sorrow for what he had missed during captivity.
“Our Sagui is home. A friend, son, partner, and most importantly, a father has returned,” they said.
Dekel-Chen will now reunite with his daughters, Gali and Bar, and for the first time, meet his newborn daughter, Shahar, who was born while he was in captivity.
“Our hearts ache for everything he missed, but now he’s here, unlike many others,” the family said.
They stressed that their fight is not over, urging continued efforts to bring back the remaining hostages.
“There are many families still waiting for their loved ones and many children waiting for their fathers. We will continue to act until the last hostage returns home—this is our duty.”
