Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ronen Kraus, has visited the grave of Azerbaijan’s National Hero, Albert Agarunov, at the Alley of Martyrs in Baku.


The visit coincided with the anniversary of Agarunov’s death. In its statement on X, the embassy paid tribute to his legacy and sacrifice.


"Today marks the anniversary of the day when Albert Agarunov, Azerbaijan's National Hero and a representative of the Jewish community, was martyred in battle.


Ambassador Ronen Krausz and Deputy Head of Mission Aviv Zell visited his grave in Baku, placing bouquets of flowers before it.


Albert Agarunov's courage, loyalty to Azerbaijan, and the supreme sacrifice he made for the defence of the homeland are remembered with deep respect and great reverence.


His life and heroism remain an example of courage, loyalty, and devotion to the homeland.


May his memory be forever cherished. May God have mercy on him," the post reads.


Albert Agarunov was born on April 25, 1969, in the Amirdzhany settlement of Baku into a Jewish family. The youngest of ten children, he grew up in a hardworking household—his father worked in the oil fields of Surakhany, while his mother was awarded the “Mother Heroine” medal.


When the First Karabakh War began, Agarunov did not hesitate—he volunteered for the newly formed National Army and went straight to the frontline. A skilled tank commander, he played a crucial role in establishing Azerbaijan’s tank units, training fellow soldiers to operate T-72 tanks with discipline and precision.


His crew soon became known for its bravery and effectiveness in major battles, including in the directions of Khankandi, Khojaly, and Shusha. In 1991 alone, his unit destroyed nine enemy tanks and two armoured vehicles. He developed his own combat tactic, known among his comrades as the “Jewish Sandwich,” which led to further successful strikes in 1992. His impact on the battlefield was so significant that a bounty of five million Russian rubles was reportedly placed on him.


On May 8, 1992, during the battle for Shusha, Agarunov displayed exceptional courage. While attempting to recover the bodies of fallen comrades under fire, he was killed by a sniper.


He was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan on June 7, 1992. His legacy endures as a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.


By Tamilla Hasanova