From Darkness to Hope: Eli Sharabi's Journey After Hostage Ordeal

Sun Oct 12 2025 01:40:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a poignant interview, Eli Sharabi reflects on surviving captivity, the loss of his family, and his continued fight for peace.

Eli Sharabi, a former hostage of Hamas whose family was tragically murdered during the October 7 attacks, shares his harrowing experience of survival and loss. In a rare interview, he calls for urgent diplomatic efforts to ensure the release of remaining hostages and reflects on his determination to live a life filled with hope despite overwhelming grief.

Eli Sharabi, who spent nearly 491 days in captivity following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, spoke out about his traumatic ordeal and the harrowing loss of his family in a recent interview. His wife, Lianne, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were among the victims of the vicious onslaught that took place on that fateful day.

In his rare public appearance since regaining his freedom, Sharabi expressed deep concern over the potential failure of current peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized the urgent need for U.S. President Donald Trump to enhance his diplomatic influence to secure the release of hostages still held captive by Hamas.

Reflecting on the message he received from Trump during previous negotiations, Sharabi urged for a comprehensive peace plan, which includes the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. He stated, War is wrong and awful for both sides, urging Hamas to adhere to a peace framework.

Despite the grief and trauma he endured, Sharabi is determined to keep hope alive, refusing to succumb to despair as he thinks about his family. He recounted the day of his release vividly; he was informed of his family’s death only after he was freed.

I hugged my mother but at that moment, I felt like I had lost the other most important part of my life, my family, he shared, revealing his emotional turmoil.

While grappling with unbearable loss, Sharabi has managed to channel his sorrow into activism, advocating for the remaining hostages and working towards peace. He frequently meets with political figures and engages in public discussions to raise awareness about the plight of others still in captivity.

Sharabi emphasized that he doesn’t have the luxury to grieve passively. It's unacceptable for me to do it. I don't have the privilege to stay in bed and cry all day after my family and my friends fought for me for 500 days. His resilience shines through as he declares, It was very tough, but I really, really love life.

Now, as the second anniversary of the tragic attacks approaches, Sharabi’s story becomes one of survival, strength, and an unyielding drive for peace, serving as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.