By IWU-FI
A Russian-Israeli citizen, Alexander Turbanov, who was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel recently, made a shocking statement. He expressed his gratitude for the treatment he received during his captivity. We share with you here the full article from the ‘Resumen Latinoamericano’ news site.
Palestine. The statements made by prisoner Alexander Turbanov after his release have made an impact on ‘Israel’: ‘The Palestinians are the legitimate owners of Palestine’.
Recently, Russian-Israeli citizen Alexander Turbanov, who was held captive in Gaza for over a year, was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Following his release, Turbanov issued a statement in which he expressed his deep appreciation for the treatment he received during his captivity.
Turbanov, along with fellow captives Sagui Dekel-Chen and Iair Horn, was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attack and held in Gaza. His release was part of a wider exchange in which Israel agreed to free 369 Palestinian prisoners.
In a video released by the Al-Quds Brigades, Turbanov expressed his gratitude and said: ‘During the 498 days I lived among you, despite the aggressions and crimes you endured, I learned the true meaning of manhood, pure heroism and respect for humanity and values.’
He also highlighted the compassionate treatment he received and noted that his captors preserved his health and dignity, even in the midst of the ongoing conflict. Turbanov’s remarks highlighted a deep respect for the faith and principles of those who held him, suggesting that their actions went beyond conventional human rights laws and protocols of war.
He also highlighted the compassionate treatment he received and noted that his captors preserved his health and dignity, even in the midst of the ongoing conflict. Turbanov’s remarks highlighted a deep respect for the faith and principles of those who held him, suggesting that their actions went beyond conventional human rights laws and protocols of war.
This exchange and Turbanov’s subsequent statements come at a time of rising tensions in the region, with ongoing discussions on ceasefire and the treatment of detainees on both sides.
FULL TEXT OF THE MESSAGE SENT BY TURBANOV TO THE RESISTANCE
‘YOUR LOVING KINDNESS IS ENGRAVED IN MY SOUL.
During the 498 days I lived among you, despite the aggressions and crimes you endured, I learned the true meaning of manhood, pure heroism and respect for humanity and values. .
You were the free siege, I was the captive and you were the guardians of my life.
You cared for me as a loving father cares for his children. You protected my health, my honour and my grace and did not let hunger and humiliation overtake me, though I was in the clutches of men fighting for their land and their usurped rights, and though the most heinous genocide was perpetrated against a people besieged by the government of my country.
I did not know the meaning of manhood until I saw it in your eyes, and I did not realise the value of sacrifice until I lived among you, until you welcomed death with a smile and resisted with your naked body the enemy who had the means to kill and destroy. Whatever my eloquence and frankness, I will not be able to find the words to reflect your courage, to express my awe and admiration for your noble morality.
During the 498 days I lived among you, despite the aggressions and crimes you endured, I learned the true meaning of manhood, pure heroism and respect for humanity and values. .
You were the free siege, I was the captive and you were the guardians of my life.
You cared for me as a loving father cares for his children. You protected my health, my honour and my grace and did not let hunger and humiliation overtake me, though I was in the clutches of men fighting for their land and their usurped rights, and though the most heinous genocide was perpetrated against a people besieged by the government of my country.
I did not know the meaning of manhood until I saw it in your eyes, and I did not realise the value of sacrifice until I lived among you, until you welcomed death with a smile and resisted with your naked body the enemy who had the means to kill and destroy. Whatever my eloquence and frankness, I will not be able to find the words to reflect your courage, to express my awe and admiration for your noble morality.
Is this how your religion teaches you to treat your captives? What a great religion that elevates you to such a high status that all man-made laws of human rights are crumbling before you, all protocols of fighting enemies are crumbling! In the most difficult times, you have demonstrated justice and mercy, not with false slogans, but with the realities we live in, and you have not given up your principles, even in the darkest conditions.
Believe me, if I come back here one day, I will only come back as a mujahid in your ranks. For I have learned the truth from your people, and I have understood that you are not only masters of the land, but also masters of principles and the cause of justice.’
