Eli Sharabi Released After 490 Days in Captivity, but Grief and Concern Remain

The Brisley family watched with bated breath as their son-in-law, Eli Sharabi, was released from captivity after 490 days. The family had endured unimaginable suffering since Hamas militants attacked Israel in October 2023, killing their daughter, Lianne Sharabi, and teenage granddaughters, Noiya and Yahel. Eli's brother Yossi was also killed in the attack.

As they watched Eli walk free, the family was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. They were overjoyed that he was finally home, but they were also horrified by his frail appearance. The once robust man they knew was gone, replaced by a pale, emaciated figure.

The release also brought back the grief that the family had been suppressing. They had focused all their energy on securing Eli's freedom, but now they had to face the reality of their loss. They cried for Lianne, Noiya, Yahel, and Yossi, and they worried about Eli's emotional state.

The family doesn't know whether Eli was told about what happened to his wife and daughters before he was released. They hope he was, so that he doesn't have to process that grief after surviving 490 days in captivity.

For the Brisley family, a teddy bear that once belonged to Lianne has become a tangible link to their lost loved ones. Gillian Brisley finds comfort in speaking to the bear every morning and evening, as though she is talking to Lianne. The bear is a physical connection to someone they can no longer hug in real life.