Former Hamas hostage released 491 days after he was kidnapped and his family was slaughtered

Eli Sharabi, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 attacks, has finally returned to Israel after spending 491 days in captivity. His family eagerly awaited his return, but sadly, three key members were missing. Sharabi’s wife and daughters were brutally murdered during the 2023 massacre, leaving him to come back to a home filled with emptiness and grief.

Living in the border community of Kibbutz Be’eri, Sharabi and his family were among the many who suffered greatly during the Oct. 7 attacks. Tragically, Israel confirmed the death of Sharabi’s brother, Yossi, who was also taken hostage, in January 2024. The impact of the attacks on Kibbutz Be’eri was devastating, with 98 people killed and 30 kidnapped, including Sharabi and Ohad Ben-Ami, who was also released alongside Sharabi on Feb. 8, 2025.

The small community of Kibbutz Be’eri was left reeling from the loss of nearly a tenth of its population, a stark reminder of the brutality of the attacks. As Sharabi returned to his home, the absence of his loved ones weighed heavily on him. It is unclear whether he is aware of the fate of his wife and daughters, adding to the pain and uncertainty that he must now face.

Sharabi is not alone in his ordeal. Yarden Bibas, another hostage who was released after spending over 480 days in captivity, also returned to a reality without his wife and children. The heart-wrenching image of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas being kidnapped, with the two young boys clinging to their mother, captured the attention of the world. The fate of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir remains unknown, as they are still held captive by Hamas.

The release of Sharabi, Levy, and Ben-Ami marks a glimmer of hope in the ongoing efforts to bring all hostages home. The harrowing images of the men, emaciated and exhausted, serve as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by Hamas. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the conditions in which the men were held, calling it a “crime against humanity.”

As the remaining hostages await their freedom, the families of those still in captivity continue to advocate for their loved ones’ release. With 76 hostages still held by Hamas, the need for intensive negotiations and swift action is paramount. The images of the freed hostages serve as a call to action for leaders to prioritize the safe return of all those still held captive.

The road to healing and justice for the families affected by the Oct. 7 attacks is long and arduous. As the world watches and waits for the safe return of all hostages, the voices of those left behind continue to echo the plea for their loved ones to come home. The resilience and strength of those impacted by these senseless acts of violence serve as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the human heart in the face of unimaginable tragedy.