Gila Almagor Reveals Secret Beginnings of Romance with Late Husband Yaakov Agmon

Gila Almagor-Agmon, the First Lady of Israeli culture and an Israel Prize laureate, has shared fascinating details about the beginnings of her legendary romance with the late theater icon Yaakov Agmon.

While her autobiographical works like "The Summer of Aviya" and "Under the Domim Tree" have become cultural milestones, it turns out that her personal love story began as an equally dramatic and complex affair. Their connection first sparked in the corridors of the Cameri Theater, where Agmon—who was a decade older and married—would call out to her from his office window, though the true turning point happened at a mutual friend's apartment.

"He said he would bring the food, and I thought there would be other people," Almagor recalled. "During the evening, I suddenly found myself pressed against the refrigerator while he kissed me. I told myself—out of everyone who visits his office, why me? I couldn't believe it could be serious." Following this encounter, the two began a two-year secret romance far from the public eye, aided by a friend who provided hidden meeting spots. Almagor made it clear from the start that she had no intention of breaking up his family or asking for anything other than love, conversation, and laughter.

Despite the years that have passed since Agmon's passing, Almagor emphasizes that his presence in her life remains as powerful as ever. She shared in tears that he always accompanies her even after his passing: "He is so present in the house," the actress explained. "I am not available—neither in my soul nor in my spirit. I had a full life until Yankale passed away. I experienced a great love once in my lifetime, and I wouldn't want to miss a single minute of it."