On October 7, 2023, the serene community of Kibbutz Be’eri was shattered by an unprecedented assault. Among the residents was Eli Sharabi, a man who had dedicated his life to building a peaceful existence alongside his British-born wife, Lianne, and their daughters, Noiya and Yahel. That morning, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of Lianne and their daughters. Eli was forcibly taken hostage, marking the beginning of a 491-day ordeal that would test the limits of human endurance.
Life in Captivity: A Descent into Darkness
Eli’s captivity was characterized by relentless suffering. He was confined primarily in underground tunnels, where he endured physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment. Chained and isolated, he was subjected to inhumane conditions that left him weighing a mere 97 pounds upon his release. The hostages were provided minimal sustenance—often just a piece of pita and a sip of tea daily—while their captors consumed stolen humanitarian aid intended for Gaza‘s civilians.
A Family’s Tragic Fate
Unbeknownst to Eli during his captivity, his brother Yossi had also been abducted and subsequently killed. Hamas militants callously informed Eli of his brother’s death, mocking his anguish. This revelation compounded the grief that awaited him upon his return, as he learned of the murders of his wife and daughters during the initial attack.
Release and Return: February 8, 2025
After 491 days in captivity, Eli was released on February 8, 2025, as part of a ceasefire-hostage exchange deal. His return to Israel was marked by a profound personal tragedy, having lost his immediate family and brother. Despite his emaciated and weakened state, Eli emerged with a resolute determination to share his story and advocate for those still held captive.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council
On October 7, 2023, the serene community of Kibbutz Be’eri was shattered by an unprecedented assault. Among the residents was Eli Sharabi, a man who had dedicated his life to building a peaceful existence alongside his British-born wife, Lianne, and their daughters, Noiya and Yahel. That morning, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of Lianne and their daughters. Eli was forcibly taken hostage, marking the beginning of a 491-day ordeal that would test the limits of human endurance.
Life in Captivity: A Descent into Darkness
Eli’s captivity was characterized by relentless suffering. He was confined primarily in underground tunnels, where he endured physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment. Chained and isolated, he was subjected to inhumane conditions that left him weighing a mere 97 pounds upon his release. The hostages were provided minimal sustenance—often just a piece of pita and a sip of tea daily—while their captors consumed stolen humanitarian aid intended for Gaza‘s civilians.
A Family’s Tragic Fate
Unbeknownst to Eli during his captivity, his brother Yossi had also been abducted and subsequently killed. Hamas militants callously informed Eli of his brother’s death, mocking his anguish. This revelation compounded the grief that awaited him upon his return, as he learned of the murders of his wife and daughters during the initial attack.
Release and Return: February 8, 2025
After 491 days in captivity, Eli was released on February 8, 2025, as part of a ceasefire-hostage exchange deal. His return to Israel was marked by a profound personal tragedy, having lost his immediate family and brother. Despite his emaciated and weakened state, Eli emerged with a resolute determination to share his story and advocate for those still held captive.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council
On March 20, 2025, Eli Sharabi stood before the United Nations Security Council, delivering a poignant testimony that shed light on the atrocities committed by Hamas and the perceived inaction of international bodies. He recounted the harrowing conditions of his captivity, emphasizing the systematic theft of humanitarian aid by Hamas militants. “I saw Hamas terrorists carrying boxes with the UN and UNRWA emblems on them into the tunnel, feeding terrorists who tortured me and murdered my family,” Eli stated, highlighting the diversion of aid meant for Gaza’s civilians.
A Call for Accountability and Action
Eli’s testimony was not merely a recounting of personal suffering but a clarion call for global accountability and action. He challenged the international community, asking, “Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?” His appeal underscored the urgency of securing the release of the remaining hostages and holding Hamas accountable for its actions.
International Reactions and Ongoing Conflict
The international community’s response to Eli’s testimony was mixed. While some nations condemned Hamas’s actions and called for investigations into the humanitarian crisis, others criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The resumption of Israeli airstrikes following the collapse of a ceasefire has resulted in significant casualties, further complicating efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages.
Eli’s Mission: Bringing Them All Home
Despite his personal losses, Eli remains steadfast in his mission to advocate for the remaining hostages. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the imperative for the international community to act decisively. “Bring them all home. Now!” he implored the Security Council, urging immediate and concrete actions to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.
Looking Forward
Eli Sharabi’s journey from the tranquility of Kibbutz Be’eri to the chambers of the United Nations encapsulates the profound tragedies and enduring resilience that define the Israeli experience in the face of terror. His story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a call to the global community to confront injustice with unwavering resolve.
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