Eli Sharabi Learns of Wife and Daughters' Murder After Release

Eli Sharabi, a 52-year-old man, was abducted by Hamas and held captive for 16 months in Gaza. When he was finally released, he was desperate to see his family. However, he was devastated to learn that his wife, Lianne Sharabi, and their two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, had been murdered at their home in Israel.

Stephen Brisley, Lianne's brother, visited Eli in the hospital after his release. Eli was physically weak but mentally strong. He told Brisley that he never doubted he would be released and that he had promised his family he would return.

Eli was released along with two other Israeli hostages, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami. They were all paraded in front of a crowd in Gaza City before being released. Eli spoke on stage and said he was happy to be returning to his family.

However, Eli was unaware that his family had been killed. It was only when he was in the transfer vehicle with the IDF that he asked if his wife and daughters were waiting for him. A soldier had to break the news to him that they had been murdered.

Eli told Brisley that starvation was one of the most difficult parts of his captivity. He was fed only once a day, a small amount of pasta or rice. He said that the lack of food was on his mind all day, every day.

Despite the horrors he endured, Eli was still able to speak fondly about his wife and daughters. He told Brisley about their Christmases together and their last holiday to Thailand.

Brisley said that he was scared that the light was gone from Eli's eyes after seeing him at the handover. However, he was reassured to see that Eli was still mentally strong.