Memorial for Almog Sarusi, Israeli Hostage Killed in Hamas Attack

Almog Sarusi was one of six hostages whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli military following the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival on October 7. Sarusi was attending the festival with his girlfriend, Shahar Gindi, who was tragically killed during the attack. The couple had been looking forward to the event, which they described as a place to enjoy music and express themselves freely. During the attack, Gindi was shot while trying to escape, and Sarusi stayed behind to care for her. For weeks, there was uncertainty about Sarusi's fate, with friends and family praying for his safe return. Ella Schafman, Sarusi's best friend from South Florida, expressed the emotional turmoil of not knowing whether he was alive. As the Israeli military approached the area, hopes were high that Sarusi would be rescued, but ultimately, he was among those who did not survive. Schafman emphasized the pain felt by families who fought tirelessly to bring their loved ones home, highlighting the emotional toll of such tragedies. As the anniversary of the attack approaches, Schafman urges people to remember both Sarusi and Gindi, as well as the ongoing plight of other hostages still held captive. She advocates for awareness and action to ensure that those remaining are not forgotten and receive the help they need to return home safely.