Devoted father and caring friend, Alexander Lobanov, tried to save people from the Hamas massacre at the Nova festival on October 7 before being taken hostage, the Hostage Family Forum said. Lobanov was working as the manager of the bars at the festival.
Lobanov’s body was discovered in Gaza alongside the bodies of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Carmel Gat, and Ori Danino.
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Sunday that the hostages were killed by Hamas shortly before the IDF’s arrival.
The 32-year-old from Ashkelon was married to Michal and was the loving father of a two-year-old. While he was in captivity, his second child, now five months old, was born.
Lobanov had a matching tattoo with two of his closest friends, news source Politically Correct said on Facebook.
The Three Musketeers-themed tattoo is of crossed swords and has the words “all for one,” in it, they reported.
Now these two close friends have been doing all they can to support Lobanov’s wife, especially with their new child.
Lobanov also volunteered at Yedidim, an organization of volunteers who help Israelis with car trouble, Politically Correct said.
World politicians send their condolences to Lobanov's family
Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu spoke with Lobanov’s parents, his office confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Netanyahu reportedly expressed deep sorrow and apologized to his family for the State’s inability to return the late Lobanov and the other five abductees alive.
Prime Minister Netanyahu told Oksana and Gregory, the parents of the late Lubanov, “I want to tell you how sorry I am, and ask for forgiveness for not being able to bring [him] back alive.”
Netanyahu also revealed that military officials had visited Moscow to discuss promoting the return of abductees, and they had specifically mentioned Lubanov.
The Russian Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, issued a statement in light of Lobanov’s Russian citizenship. According to Ynet, Viktorov said “We are very sorry to note that among the abductees was Alexander Lubanov, who also had Russian citizenship.
“We mourn together with the entire family and loved ones of Alexander Lubanov, especially his mother and father, who we have been in constant contact with all this time. I also express my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who received the difficult news this morning.”