Misattributed Quote Sparks Controversy Over Israeli Prisoner Release

A fabricated statement attributed to an Israeli prisoner has sparked confusion online. The claim that Alexander Turbanov expressed admiration for his captors upon his release from Hamas captivity is false. The misinformation first circulated on February 15, 2025, and resurfaced later in October 2025.

The man in question is actually named Alexander Troufanov. Social media influencer Khaled Safi was responsible for posting the misleading quote on his X account. In a subsequent clarification, he admitted to having written the statement “on his behalf,” indicating it was not a direct quote from Troufanov.

The original post, shared by the Facebook page Towards Understanding Islam, began with a sensational introduction: “A MUST READ!!” It claimed that Troufanov stated, “Your kindness has been engraved in my conscience forever. During the 498 days I lived among you, despite the aggression and crimes you endured, I learned the true meaning of manhood, pure heroism, and respect for humanity and values.”

In reality, Alexander Troufanov was one of three hostages released on February 15, 2025, during a prisoner exchange. Images from the exchange show Troufanov, along with fellow hostages Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel Chen, being handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. A report by US News & World Report captured the moment, where Troufanov was photographed wearing a red hoodie.

The misleading quote gained traction due to its emotional appeal and the context of Troufanov’s release. Khaled Safi’s initial post included an 8-second video clip of Troufanov in the same setting as the exchange photo, which further fueled the spread of misinformation. The auto-translation of Safi’s post echoed the structure and sentiment of the fabricated quote, describing Troufanov’s supposed gratitude towards his captors.

Upon receiving numerous inquiries for clarification, Safi responded later the same day, stating, “These are not the words of the captive, but rather I wrote them on his behalf, describing his condition, his gratitude, his thanks, and his bowing to the men of the resistance.” This admission highlights the potential for misunderstanding and misrepresentation in social media communications, especially concerning sensitive topics like hostage situations.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in verifying information in the age of social media, where quickly disseminated content can easily blur the lines between fact and fiction. As the situation in the region remains complex, it is crucial to approach such claims with skepticism and seek reliable sources for accurate information.