“With God’s help, I will bring hope to people in the future, but I hope I will never need to, because everyone will already be happy”
(Almog Sarusi, of blessed memory)
“Brother, I will be the Prime Minister—an ordinary person can’t hold that position”
Almog was born on January 18, 1997, making Nira and Yigal proud parents for the first time.
A few years later, Amit, Lahav, and Shaked joined the family, and Almog became a devoted and exemplary older brother to them.
From a young age, he excelled in everything he pursued—from his studies to the soccer and karate activities in which he took part.
Throughout his life, Almog was always there to help, give, support, and bring joy to those around him.
He carried an unwavering sense of optimism and happiness. His smile never left his face, and the kindness in his heart could always be seen in his eyes.
From an early age, Almog knew he wanted to serve as a combat soldier.
His love for Israel and his desire to protect it were deeply rooted in him throughout his life.
At the age of 18, Almog enlisted in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit and completed his service as an outstanding soldier.
Having studied Arabic in high school, he was selected to serve as a combat interrogator. He became highly proficient in Arabic, a skill that would later prove invaluable during his time in captivity.
Almog often said that his military service gave him a profound sense of purpose and mission. It was a period that shaped his values and gifted him with lifelong friendships.
Almog attended the Nova music festival together with two of his teammates and close friends, Noam Shay and Omri Ahrak, of blessed memory, who were murdered on that tragic day.
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“I am willing to sacrifice myself if it leads to the better world I imagine”
“I enjoy the little things and I am so happy in my life”
Almog made the most of every opportunity to explore and experience the world around him.
He believed that one of the best ways to spend time was to discover new places and broaden one's horizons.
Almog traveled extensively across the United States, Europe, and Asia, visiting more than 17 countries throughout his life.
He was fascinated by different cultures and by the opportunity to step outside the familiar bubble of everyday life. These experiences shaped his perspective and provided him with valuable insights that he carried with him.
He also loved exploring Israel, traveling from north to south in “Miko”, his beloved Suzuki Jimny, and discovering the beauty of the country he cherished so deeply.
During his travels in India, Almog met the love of his life, Shahar Gindi, of blessed memory.
Shahar, a 25-year-old from Holon, was the youngest daughter of Ronit and Yigal and the beloved sister of Adi and Shani.
Almog and Shahar were together for three and a half years, and he had planned to propose to her in the following January.
They lived together in Ariel for two and a half years while studying at the same university. Almog was pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, while Shahar was studying Psychology. Both were about to begin their final year of studies.
On October 7, Shahar was wounded by gunfire, and Almog did everything he could to save her.
After Almog was taken hostage, Shahar remained injured in the field for many hours without receiving medical assistance and ultimately did not survive.
From that moment on, Almog endured eleven months in captivity without knowing what had become of Shahar, until he was ultimately murdered.
At last, Almog was reunited with Shahar—a love so profound that even death could not keep them apart.
“There is a little bit of God in all of us”
“I want to sit down and think about how to change the world for the better—how to bring together the sane majority who simply want to live”
Almog’s true dream was to work in education and to open a center for at-risk youth. He also dreamed of settling in the Negev or the Golan Heights and helping develop these regions, as befits a true Zionist.
“There is nothing better than being good” was his guiding principle, and he lived by it in everything he did.
He volunteered by giving free private math lessons to children from underprivileged families, collected money from friends to provide holiday meals for families in need, and took part in volunteering activities with the “Yedidim” organization.
Almog was always the first to offer advice, a supportive shoulder, and assistance to anyone he met along his path.
He made everyone feel as though they were his closest friend, and each friend felt as though they were his best friend.
In his friends’ WhatsApp group, Almog was known as “Father Sarusi,” as he served as a guiding figure, leader, and mentor to those around him.
Throughout his life, Almog was deeply committed to speaking positively about others and maintaining kindness toward people and the world around him.
Almog had a deep love for music. He played classical and electric guitar as well as drums, and would often sit with family and friends, pick up his guitar, and begin playing—captivating everyone around him.
He had an incredible ability to hear a song he had never encountered before and immediately play it by ear.
Almog shared this passion with his friends Alon Verber and Guy Iluz, of blessed memory, who were murdered on that same Saturday.
The three friends rented a municipal shelter and turned it into a music studio where they would play and jam together.
Former hostages who were released from captivity shared that Almog often spoke about his love for music and his desire to make it a much larger part of his life.
“Dear friend, the body is not what matters—there is a soul that rises, and it will ensure the body follows”
“We’ll soon be celebrating in nature again”
On October 7, Almog went to the Nova music festival together with his partner Shahar Gindi, of blessed memory, and several of his friends.
That day, Almog was wounded by gunfire. Those who were with him in the vehicle were murdered, including Omri Ahrak, Noam Shay, Daniel Waldman, and Shahar—the love of his life—whom he tried to save and remained by her side until the moment he was taken hostage.
His two other friends, Alon Verber and Guy Iluz, who had been in the vehicle ahead of them, were also murdered. Guy was kidnapped and later died of his wounds in captivity.
Almog survived 11 months in Hamas captivity.
With very little food, water, and basic hygiene, he managed to stay alive, recover from his injuries without medical treatment, and endure nearly a full year with remarkable courage.
His spirit remained unbroken. He stayed brave, strong, optimistic, and full of hope until, on August 29, 2025, he was murdered in captivity by the monsters of Hamas.
Almog knew how to live life to the fullest. He always appreciated the small things, was grateful for what he had, and carried happiness and a smile with him at every moment. He focused on what truly mattered and not on the trivial.
He had a rare “X-ray-like” ability to see into people’s souls and understand exactly what they needed.
Today, it is our responsibility to continue his path and to instill in ourselves and in our society the values and goodness that Almog spread every single day of his life.
“There is always hope—you just have to choose it”