Parents of Slain Hostage Welcome Newborn Son Via Surrogacy

Two years after their son Almog Sarusi was murdered in Hamas captivity, his parents, Nira and Yigal, both around 60, have welcomed a new baby boy named Lavi. The child was born using eggs the parents froze 25 years ago during a past medical procedure. The news was shared by their daughter Amit on Instagram and detailed by Ra'anana Mayor Chaim Broide, who attended the baby's circumcision ceremony on Monday.

Amidst their profound grief over Almog's death, the parents recalled the frozen eggs and embarked on a complex process to retrieve them. With full family support and after locating the eggs, they pursued surrogacy. Initial attempts failed due to technological advancements since the eggs were frozen, but a final attempt resulted in the successful pregnancy, which was kept secret.

Almog Sarusi, their eldest son, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7 and held captive for 11 months before being killed in a tunnel in Gaza at age 27. His body was recovered by the IDF and brought to Israel for burial.

In an invitation to Lavi's circumcision, which took place on Yom Kippur, the family shared their complex emotions, stating, "A miracle happened to us. We will forever carry the pain for Almog in our hearts, but we are full of hope that alongside the pain, we will succeed in rejoicing in the gifts God has given us."

Following Almog's death, the family established the "Ein Tov Mi'lihyot Tov" (There is Nothing Better Than Being Good) foundation in his memory. His father, Yigal Sarusi, emphasized the family's determination to continue Almog's legacy of loving others, including plans to open a home for at-risk children and establish a new community in the Negev desert.