Today, Assemblyman Ari Brown met with Sapir Cohen at Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's office. Cohen, who was recently released from captivity in Gaza, shared her experiences following the brutal October 7 attack by Hamas on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her boyfriend, Sasha Trufanov, remains a hostage. Assemblyman Brown expressed profound admiration for Israel's response to the attack, emphasizing the country's unparalleled commitment to minimizing civilian harm despite the severity of the threat. 

“Israel’s handling of this brutal assault has been marked by an extraordinary level of compassion and restraint,” said Brown. “No other nation has demonstrated such care in protecting noncombatants while enduring such an unprovoked and savage attack.” Brown also voiced his anger and disappointment at the global response, criticizing the alarming trend of nations and individuals siding with the barbaric actions of Hamas and Hezbollah. “It is deeply troubling to see parts of the world siding with these terrorists and their Iranian backers,” he stated. “The support for Hamas and Hezbollah, who engage in indiscriminate violence, is a grave injustice to those who strive for peace and security.”

The tragic story of the Trufanov family, who suffered horrific losses during the attack, underscores the need for continued support for Israel and its people. While Sapir Cohen was released on November 30, 2023, her boyfriend Sasha remains a hostage. The recent release of his mother, Yelena Trufanova, and grandmother, Irena Tati, on November 29, 2023, underscores the ongoing struggle faced by many families affected by this conflict.

Assemblyman Brown reiterated his support for efforts to secure Trufanov’s release and called for a unified stance against terrorism. “We must continue to stand with Israel and support the families impacted by this violence,” he concluded.