Eli Sharabi: Returned from Captivity After 491 Days, Yet His Family Remains Lost

Eli Sharabi has returned to Israel after enduring 491 agonizing days as a hostage. He was taken from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the horrifying Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. As his family eagerly awaited his return, three crucial members were missing from this emotional reunion. Tragically, Sharabi’s wife and daughters were among the victims murdered by Hamas terrorists during that fateful day.

The Siege of Kibbutz Be’eri

Kibbutz Be’eri, located just four miles from the Gaza border, was devastated during the October attacks. The Hamas assault resulted in the deaths of 98 residents, including men, women, and children, while 30 individuals were taken hostage. Among these were Sharabi and Ohad Ben-Ami, who also gained his freedom on February 8, 2025. The loss represents roughly ten percent of the kibbutz’s population.

Life After Captivity: A Haunting Reality

Upon his release, details remain unclear about whether Sharabi understands the full extent of his family’s fate. His wife Lianne and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, are gone, leaving a void that can’t be filled. Similarly, Or Levy, another released hostage who was abducted from the Nova festival, faces an uncertain future following the loss of his wife.

The Broader Impact of the Attacks

Sharabi’s account mirrors that of Yarden Bibas, another hostage who returned to a grim reality after spending over 480 days in captivity. Bibas’s wife, Shiri, and their two young sons remain in Hamas’s clutches. The image of Shiri holding her two red-headed sons, one just nine months old at the time of abduction, has haunted many, as they remain the last children taken on October 7 still held in Gaza.

A Cry for Help

“Sadly, my family hasn’t returned to me yet. They are still there. My light is still there, and as long as they’re there, everything here is dark,” Bibas expressed in a recent statement. He urged the Israeli government to take action, emphasizing the emotional weight he carries without his loved ones.

Emotional and Psychological Impact on Hostages

During their time in captivity, many hostages, including Bibas, were forced to participate in videos that served as psychological manipulation tactics employed by Hamas. Such videos aimed to instill fear among families and the public, showcasing the trauma the victims endured. Notably, Hamas included Shiri and her children within the first phase of hostages designated for release under a ceasefire agreement.

A Call to Action for Israeli Leadership

Yarden Bibas directly addressed Prime Minister Netanyahu in his plea: “Bring my family back. Bring my friends back. Bring everyone home.” His heartfelt words highlight the desperation shared by families still awaiting news of their loved ones.

The Continuing Hostage Crisis

The releases of Eli Sharabi and others mark just the fifth round of emotional reunions amid what remains a harrowing hostage crisis. Despite their release, the released hostages displayed signs of severe malnutrition and distress, drawing comparisons to Holocaust victims. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the treatment of the men, labeling it a “crime against humanity.” In response, Netanyahu has vowed to not overlook their conditions.

Ongoing Negotiations and Hope for the Future

Ruby and Hagit Chen, whose son Itay remains in captivity, stressed the need for swift action, demanding that Netanyahu initiate intensive negotiations to secure the release of the remaining 76 hostages believed to be alive. So far, Hamas has released 18 hostages in a complex negotiation process that has seen Israel reciprocate with the release of over 550 Palestinian prisoners.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Turmoil

As families wait for news and negotiations continue, the return of individuals like Sharabi provides a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. It also underscores the urgent need for action to bring the remaining hostages home.