He Spent 491 Days as a Hamas Hostage. This Is How He Survived.

Eli Sharabi recounts the traumatic events of October 7, 2023, when five terrorists invaded his home in Kibbutz Berry, taking him hostage while his family remained behind. He recalls promising his daughters, Noya and Yehel, that he would return, just before the terrorists killed their dog and dragged him away. After 491 days in Hamas captivity, Eli was released on February 8, 2025, only to learn that his family had been murdered on the day of the attack, along with his brother, Yossi.

Eli's memoir, *Hostage*, details the physical and psychological torture he endured. He emphasizes his resilience and the choice to survive despite the profound loss of his family. He shares insights into his life before the attack, explaining his decision to move from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Berry at the age of 16, seeking a peaceful community. Eli describes the communal life at Berry, where residents historically supported their Palestinian neighbors and believed in peace until the events of October 7.

On the day of the attack, Eli reflects on his disbelief as sirens sounded, thinking it was just another drill. The chaos that ensued and the terror in his daughters' eyes as they were taken away left a lasting impact. Initially believing only men would be targeted, he later learned that women and children were also taken hostage, deepening his fear for his daughters' safety.

During his captivity, Eli spent 51 days in a family's home, where he was often chained and humiliated but received food from the family. He interacted with another hostage from Thailand and communicated with the family using drawings. After 51 days, he was moved to tunnels, a frightening experience that tested their resolve. As more hostages joined them, they formed a bond through shared experiences, discussing their families and coping with trauma. The phrase "he who has a why can bear any how" resonated with the group, as each member identified their reasons for survival, primarily their families.

Eli initiated daily rituals, encouraging fellow hostages to share three positive things each day, which helped foster a sense of community and hope. He maintained a mindset against self-pity, focusing on solutions and encouraging laughter, jokes, and prayer among the hostages. He recited prayers, including Shema Israel, from the moment of his kidnapping, finding strength in these connections.

The emotional toll of starvation was significant, particularly for a fellow hostage named Alon, who expressed a desire to end his suffering. Eli took on a mentorship role, encouraging Alon to fight for survival. He reflects on the complexity of their captors, illustrating this with the example of a captor nicknamed "Orange," who showed a small act of kindness. Eli emphasizes that survival often hinges on analyzing captors' behaviors and intentions.

Eli grapples with feelings of guilt for surviving while others remain trapped. He reflects on the emotional burden of freedom juxtaposed with the uncertainty of Alon's fate. Upon their release, he learned of his family's tragic murder, including a command to kill hostages. A visit to the cemetery with psychologists and family members becomes a pivotal moment as he confronts his grief.

Eli emphasizes the importance of staying positive after his release, believing that maintaining a busy and happy demeanor honors the efforts of all Israelis who fought for his return. He expresses strong optimism about a potential peace deal, acknowledging the urgency of this agreement for families enduring deep despair since October 7th. Reflecting on the meaning of life, Eli underscores that cherishing moments with loved ones is the essence of life.