Fact Check: Viral Quote Misattributed to Released Israeli Prisoner

A fabricated quote attributed to an Israeli prisoner, Alexander Turbanov, has circulated widely on social media following his release from Hamas captivity. The viral misinformation, which gained traction on February 15, 2025, and resurfaced in October 2025, falsely claimed that Turbanov expressed gratitude towards his captors. In reality, the individual in question is named Alexander Troufanov, and the quote was not his.

The misleading quote appeared in a post from the Facebook page Towards Understanding Islam on February 16, 2025. It purportedly contained Troufanov’s sentiments about his captors, stating, “Your kindness has been engraved in my conscience forever.” This claim misrepresents the actual circumstances of Troufanov’s release, which occurred during a prisoner exchange involving three hostages.

On February 15, 2025, US News & World Report published an article detailing the exchange, where Troufanov was pictured alongside fellow hostages Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel Chen. According to the report, the three men were handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, marking a significant moment in ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.

The original source of the quote can be traced back to social media influencer Khaled Safi, who posted an 8-second video of Troufanov shortly after his release. In a follow-up comment, Safi clarified that the words were not spoken by Troufanov but were instead his interpretation of the prisoner’s condition and gratitude. He stated, “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.”

Despite Safi’s clarification, the quote continued to spread across social media platforms, showcasing the challenges of misinformation in the digital age. The misattribution highlights the importance of verifying claims, especially those that can influence public perception during sensitive geopolitical contexts.

The incident raises critical questions about the integrity of information shared online and the potential consequences of spreading unverified statements. As the situation in the region evolves, accurate reporting remains vital for understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In conclusion, Alexander Troufanov’s release from captivity has been overshadowed by a viral falsehood. While the narrative of sympathy towards captors gained traction, it does not reflect the truth of the situation. As the global community continues to engage with ongoing conflicts, vigilance in discerning fact from fiction becomes increasingly important.