In a tragic turn of events, Yossi Meir, 59, father of hostage Almog Meir Jan, died just hours before his son was rescued in the daring Israeli raid in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip. Almog's parents were divorced, and his father lived in Kfar Saba.
Family members tried to reach him when they learned of Almog's release from Hamas captivity but were unable to make contact. When IDF representatives arrived at his home to deliver the joyful news, they discovered his body.
Family members arrived at his Kfar Saba home after learning of his death. His sister Dina shared, "He died of cardiac arrest, he died from grief. He didn't get to know that his son was released from captivity." His sister-in-law Yaffit added, "He constantly sat by the television to stay updated on what's happening with his son, but sadly he didn't make it. His sister visited him on Thursday, and he probably passed away at night, and we didn't know."
Video: Friends of Almog Meir Jan greet him upon his return from captivity / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law Section 27a
Iris, a neighbor, said, "He was an amazing man. I always supported him. On October 7, he told me his son was kidnapped. He said to me, 'The day my son returns, I'll end my life.' And that's what happened. He lived alone, and his sister always came to visit. I also helped him. I would prepare food for him and help him with whatever he needed. It's sad. He gave his soul so that God would release his son. It's so sad that he didn't get to know his son was released and didn't get to see him."
Almog Meir Jan, 21, from Or Yehuda, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on the morning of October 7. "The first thing we'll do when he returns is to be with family and watch a movie together. Almog is a very family-oriented person," his sister Gaot Algrabli recently shared. Almog went to the Nova festival at Kibbutz Re'im on Friday, October 6th. On Saturday morning, he called to update his mother Orit that there were explosions and gunfire, that the party was shut down, and said he loves her. In the afternoon, the family came across a video where he appeared with his hands on his face, looking scared and frightened along with four other young people, presumably in captivity in Gaza. This was the last sign of life the family had from Almog.
Since then, his family did everything they could to save him. His mother Orit flew with a delegation to Athens, where she met with leaders and the Jewish community. His sister Gaot said, "We must bring the hostages back home as soon as possible, healthy and whole. We're trying to stay optimistic. Almog himself is an optimistic guy who always looks at the brighter side. We're together, we're strong, and the fact that the people of Israel are united and support us also helps."
