Eli Sharabi, a former Israeli hostage whose British-Israeli wife and two children were killed during the Hamas attacks on October 7, shares his heartbreaking story in a recent interview. Since being released from captivity, Sharabi has become a voice for hope and reconciliation, advocating for the release of remaining hostages while grappling with the loss of his loved ones.
In the rare interview, Sharabi expressed deep concerns about the latest peace plan negotiated between the US and Israel, highlighting the potential risks it poses to the remaining hostages. He called upon US President Donald Trump to leverage his influence to ensure the safety of the hostages and promote peace in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Reflecting on his time in captivity—491 days filled with starvation and suffering—Sharabi recalls the moment of his release. He was filled with joy but faced the crushing reality of his family's absence. 'I cried for a few minutes,' he admitted. 'I said to myself, I can cry all day, but it will not help me to bring back Lianne, Noiya, and Yahel.'
Despite the traumatic past, Sharabi declares his love for life and emphasizes the need for hope. He regularly campaigns for the hostages, advocating tirelessly for their release, and has even met with Trump to facilitate progress. 'War is awful, people are suffering from war,' Sharabi said, advocating for peace as key to ending the hostages' torment.
As the second anniversary of the attacks approaches, Sharabi's resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure. 'It was very tough, but I really, really love life… I'm trying to be positive,' he concluded.
