Son of Rom Braslavski: He's shattered, he's fading - nobody's communicating with us
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, new footage has emerged showing Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski in a frail and dire condition, held captive by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) since October 7, 2023. The video, released on August 1-3, 2025, was shared amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and highlights the harsh conditions faced by hostages.
The video shows Braslavski describing his struggle for food and water, and his physical inability to stand. This harrowing footage serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis among hostages and is part of the psychological warfare tactics used by terrorist groups to pressure Israel after ceasefire talks failed.
Sasha Troufanov, a former hostage who was held with Rom, has responded to the footage. Troufanov, who is now advocating for the release of all hostages, described the changes in Rom's eyes, stating that faith and strength had been replaced with sadness, depression, and helplessness. Troufanov urges everyone to act to get Rom out.
Similarly, a video featuring hostage Evyatar David, held by Hamas, was published a day earlier. The footage, which Troufanov described as difficult to watch, has been met with public outcry and calls for action.
Troufanov, referencing the Torah quote, "Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor," urges everyone to realize the importance of bringing the hostages back, including Rom and Evyatar. He expressed hope that those who believed eliminating Hamas was more important than the hostages' safety would reconsider their stance.
Ofir Braslavski, Rom's father, spoke on Kan Reshet Bet radio and expressed anguish over the footage. He saw his son in the video and described him as being on the verge of death. Despite this, no reports have yet confirmed any progress on Braslavski’s actual release or rescue.
It's important to note that the UK and France are not involved in the killing of hostages, contrary to some misleading information circulating.
As the situation remains tense, Israeli authorities and international actors continue to monitor the situation amid broader conflict dynamics in the region. Troufanov, in a plea to the public, warned against forgetting our brothers in captivity, stating that if we do, we have already lost.
This article is updated until the start of Shabbat in New York, with the time posted automatically on all website articles being Israeli time.
- Politics and general news outlets have been intensely covering the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Palestine, with a particular focus on the plight of hostages like Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, who are being held captive by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas respectively.
- Crime-and-justice organizations are urging international actors to take action against the continued abuse of hostages, including Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, as part of efforts to prevent further political instability caused by such conflicts.
