I am Alexander Trubanov, 28 years old. I have been a captive for a year with the Islamic Jihad [PIJ].

For a year, we have faced shortages in food, water, and electricity, now, we also lack basic necessities like soap and shampoo. I’ve started experiencing skin problems I didn’t have before. I want to remind the citizens of Israel that when you eat or drink something, remember us, the captives who don’t have the same opportunities to enjoy the food and drink you consume.

I ask you to consider that when you close the crossings and restrict life for citizens in Gaza, you are also impacting us, the captives. It has been a full year of war, a full year of my life being at risk, a life endangered by military operations that are supposedly intended to free us. The fighters of Islamic Jihad have protected my life many times to prevent my death. Some of them have been injured, and others have died trying to keep me safe.

Citizens of Israel, I want to tell you that my life is in danger every day. The military operations that Netanyahu has chosen to secure my release will eventually lead to my death. I can tell you that I’ve started to fear the army. I am genuinely afraid of the moment the army might reach us, or when they might bomb the place where I am being held. Many captives have been killed in this war – even many more – and very few have been freed through military operations. The only thing that has been done for the captives so far was the first ceasefire operation.

Residents of Israel, my situation is difficult, and my daily life is extremely harsh.
Now, after a year of war, the government has gone to Lebanon, aiming for us to be forgotten, and then to start a war with Iran, all so that we can be buried very deeply beneath the earth, our files closed, and us forgotten forever.

I beg you, citizens of Israel, please, please, do not forget us. I ask you, citizens of Israel, please go out and demonstrate. I want to thank you for the weekly protests you hold every Saturday night. I want to tell you that you have been protesting for a year, and no one in the government is listening to you. I ask you to go out, close the streets for a time, start a comprehensive strike for a while, and remember us, do not forget us.

We in Gaza are in severe danger and in a very difficult situation. Please, please, do all that you can so that we can return safely and in good health. I miss my family, my friends, and my life; I long for the day of my freedom and so much more. I want to return home safe and in good health, and this is only possible by putting pressure on the government. Please, do not forget us.