On October 7, 2023, a day marked by tragedy, Eli Sharabi experienced a life-altering event when Hamas terrorists stormed his home in Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel. Armed with Kalashnikov rifles, they kidnapped Sharabi, leaving behind his British wife, Lianne Brisley, and their two daughters, Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13. Tragically, all three family members were later murdered, making Eli’s harrowing journey a poignant reminder of the ongoing violence in the region.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Express, Sharabi detailed the traumatic moments of that fateful day. He vividly recalled seeing the fear in his family’s eyes as the masked assailants invaded their home. “I will never forget the look of terror in their eyes,” he said, reflecting on the chaos that unfolded. Two years later, he is publishing the English-language version of his book, *Hostage*, which chronicles his experience of being held captive for 491 days.
Sharabi, now 53, did not see his wife and daughters alive again after that day. Their British passports, which he had hoped would offer some protection, ultimately could not save them. Following his abduction, he was among approximately 250 Israelis taken into Gaza, while over 1,195 people lost their lives, including his family. His older brother, Yossi, was also kidnapped but was killed after 100 days in captivity. Eli learned of their deaths after his release on February 8, 2024.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Sharabi shared the prayer that occupied his thoughts during his abduction: “Just not a tunnel, please, God, not a tunnel.” He feared being buried underground, a thought that haunted him as he was thrust into a world of darkness and despair.
Struggling through the aftermath of his release, Eli has been working to regain his strength. He weighed less than **seven stone** at the time of his freedom, having endured starvation, physical abuse, and confinement. “I was shackled in irons and kept in darkness for much of my captivity,” he explained. The challenges of his release have extended beyond physical recovery. His emotional journey involves returning to Kibbutz Be’eri, where memories of his family linger. Last week, despite his emotional readiness, he felt unable to enter the home where they were murdered. “Not just yet,” he stated, acknowledging the difficult path ahead.
Eli is actively campaigning for the release of the remaining 48 hostages still held by Hamas. “I am surrounded by family and friends at all times,” he said, expressing gratitude for their support during his recovery. He is also taking steps towards independence, preparing to move into his own apartment, a significant milestone in his journey to rebuild his life. “I have to start my life again. I am so lucky to be alive and to be a free man. Freedom is priceless,” he emphasized.
Throughout his captivity, Sharabi forged bonds with fellow hostages, including Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin, all of whom were tragically murdered. Eli spent much of his time with Alon Ohel, a survivor of the Nova festival attack, who remains a hostage today. “I did my best to look after him,” Sharabi said, highlighting the camaraderie that developed among the captives. They engaged in prayer and Jewish rituals every Friday, seeking comfort and strength during their darkest moments.
Sharabi described the psychological toll of hunger during his captivity, stating, “The hunger turns each man inward. Empathy dries up.” For the last six months, he survived on minimal food, often just half a pitta or a small bowl of pasta per day. The inhumane treatment continued with taunts from their captors, who would eat full meals in front of the starving hostages. Eli recounted the conditions of their confinement, “I never knew the human body could collect so much filth,” as the situation deteriorated with rising sewage and lack of sanitation.
Born in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Sharabi moved to Kibbutz Be’eri at the age of 14. He met Lianne Brisley, a British volunteer, in 1995, and they married in the UK. His first call upon release was to Lianne’s parents, who he described as family. “It was so hard talking to them,” he shared, noting the family’s enduring bond despite the tragedy.
As Eli looks to the future, he remains focused on raising awareness for those who are still missing. “I am not a politician or a soldier but I feel it is my job to keep raising awareness of them,” he stated. Many Israelis, he noted, are weary of the ongoing conflict, yearning for peace and healing.
With aspirations of becoming a private maths tutor, Sharabi is determined to move forward. “I will not let the grief and sadness bury me and I will not rot in it,” he affirmed. “I choose to move on and be positive; I choose light.” His book, *Hostage*, published by Swift Press, is available now, offering a detailed account of his harrowing experience and the resilience of the human spirit.
