9-Year-Old Haredi Boy in Beit Shemesh Dies After Long Illness, Last Wish Fulfilled by Singer Shmulik Sukot

Elhanan Nehorai Almaliah, a 9-year-old Haredi boy from the Ramat D neighborhood in Beit Shemesh, passed away after a prolonged battle with a severe illness. During his illness, many prayed for his recovery under the name Elhanan Nehorai ben Margalit. Despite these prayers, he succumbed to his condition, leaving his family and community in deep mourning.

In the final hours before his death, Elhanan expressed a heartfelt last wish when his father asked him what he wanted: he asked for the Haredi singer Shmulik Sukot to come and sing to him. Sukot responded immediately, arriving at the hospital and spending several hours by Elhanan’s bedside, performing his favorite songs including "Look to the Sky," "Hero of the World," and "Together with Mom and Dad." A video posted after the visit showed Sukot overcome with emotion, saying, "This is the hardest thing my soul can handle. I pray to God to give me strength, and that is why I came into this world."

Following Elhanan’s passing, Sukot shared a moving farewell message on social media. He reflected on how the young boy reminded him of the true meaning of life, faith, and joy amid the chaos of his busy career. Sukot wrote, "Today I sang by his side for hours, all the songs he loved... ‘Hero of the World, I hold your hand.’ I couldn’t sing for a few minutes, everyone’s throat choked... I left the hospital with sorrow and a broken heart but with purity in my soul. I have never cried so continuously in my life." He concluded with a promise: "Sweet Elhanan, I promise never to forget you."

Elhanan’s death has deeply affected his family, friends, and the wider community, highlighting the power of music and faith in moments of profound hardship.