President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog attended the wedding of former Gaza hostages Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, marking a poignant moment of joy and reconciliation.

The couple, abducted during the October 7 massacre from Kibbutz Nir Oz, endured prolonged captivity—Cohen for 55 days and Troufanov for 498 days—before being released in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

Herzog, who initially vowed not to attend weddings until all hostages returned, expressed deep emotional support for the couple, emphasizing their resilience and the nation's collective prayers for their safe return.The ceremony, held under a Jewish bridal canopy, symbolized both personal triumph and national healing.Troufanov, who was held by Hamas, recounted his release and the emotional journey of waiting for his wife's return.

The event highlighted the complex interplay of political resolve, humanitarian efforts, and personal stories in the ongoing Gaza conflict, underscoring the broader implications of hostage negotiations and their impact on Israeli society.