‘A light in the darkness’: Eli Sharabi shares his story of survival at first community event outside Israel

For 16 months, Eli Sharabi had no idea what had happened to his family on October 7. In captivity, he clung to the belief that they were alive and he had to survive long enough to see them again. "I will be back," he had told his daughters, Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, as he was dragged away by Hamas terrorists from their home on Kibbutz Be’eri.

It was only on the day of his release during a ceasefire deal in February 2025, that he learned the truth. Eli’s British-born wife Lianne and their two Israeli-British daughters were murdered the very day he was taken.

1,400 people packed into St John's Wood Syngogue where released hostage Eli Sharabi shared his testimony on Monday 28 April 2025 (Photo: Blake Ezra Photography/UJIA)(C) Blake Ezra Photography 2025 Not to be reproduced without written permission.

This was just one of the heartbreaking details Eli shared with an audience of 1,400 at St John’s Wood United Synagogue on Monday evening.

His conversation with Louise Jacobs, former chair of the United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA), which hosted the event, marked the first time Eli had spoken publicly to a Jewish community outside Israel.

Eli told the London audience about the horrors of the deadly Hamas tunnel network. Despite the conditions, Eli – who has Yemenite and Moroccan heritage – turned to prayer for strength.

Though not a religious man, he began reciting the Shema as he was smuggled out of Kibbutz Be’eri in a stolen car and into Gaza.
Inside the tunnels, every Friday, he would make Kiddush over water and say Hamotzi over scraps of pitta saved by the hostages. It was one of many ways they tried to hold on to their humanity.

He had occasional pieces of information from his captors, but knew nothing of his family's fate.

He later learnt that his brother, Yossi, washad been murdered in captivity and is now fighting for his brother’s body to be returned to Israel.

The Chief Rabbi thanked Eli Sharabi for his strength (Photo: Blake Ezra Photography/UJIA)(C) Blake Ezra Photography 2025 Not to be reproduced without written permission.

Eli urged the world not to forget the hostages still trapped in Gaza and said those left behind were still waiting for the next stage of the deal. “It is very important to bring home the hostages that are alive and to bury those that are dead so that their families have a grave they can cry on.

"The darkness is everywhere," he told the audience. "But I am not going to give up. I will always try to find the light in the darkness."

His reason for living, he said, is for those still left. "I will not see my wife and my daughters anymore," he said. "But I still have family and friends."

Introducing Eli was Steve Brisley, Lianne’s brother and Eli’s brother-in-law, who had stood on the same bimah back in January when Eli’s fate was still unknown.

“In a time of unbearable loss, Eli’s return has given us something to hold onto – a flicker of light," he said. "Grief is simply love that has no home. With Eli’s return, we have found that home."

“Sharing this evening with Eli reminded me of the everlasting bond between us, between our families, between our nations. Listening to him speak about his experiences, about the lessons we can all learn and about the importance of bringing every one of the remaining 59 hostages home, reminded me why his voice leaves such a lasting mark. Some moments feel bigger than words – and this was one of them.”

Eli’s brother, Sharon Sharabi, who accompanied him to London said: “I travelled to the UK many times while Eli was in captivity and being here with him is extremely significant. We continue to fight for the release of the remaining 59 hostages, including my dear brother, Yossi, who must be returned to Israel for a dignified burial.”

He added: “Seeing the Jewish community come together to support my brother Eli at this special event is very moving for me.”

Eli Sharabi in conversation with Louise Jacobs from UJIA (Photo: Blake Ezra Photography/UJIA)(C) Blake Ezra Photography 2025 Not to be reproduced without written permission.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis paid tribute to the Sharabi family for their strength and inspiration. He also thanked the British Jewish community: “Ever since October 7, you have shown such incredible solidarity.”

He praised the many communal organisations that have supported Israel, the altruistic efforts of individuals across the community and extended his thoughts to all those in Britain who had lost loved ones on October 7, or who still have family members in captivity.

Annabel Sheldon, the Sharabi family’s friend who campaigned for Eli and Yossi’s release, was thanked by the Chief Rabbi for her tireless work to bring the hostages home.

She said: “Despite this unimaginable tragedy, Eli has shown extraordinary strength and courage since his release. His global campaign to raise awareness of those still held captive has touched the hearts of people all over the world.”

Steve Brisley, Eli Sharabi, Sharon Sharabi and Annabel Sheldon (Photo: Blake Ezra Photography/UJIA)(C) Blake Ezra Photography 2025 Not to be reproduced without written permission.

UJIA chair Zvi Noé concluded by paying tribute to more than 30 United Synagogue communities that have supported the charity’s appeal to raise money to rebuild the kindergarten at Kibbutz Be’eri.

Also present were Hamish Falconer, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East; representatives from the Israeli Embassy; members of the House of Lords; and members of the legal team who have supported the families of British-linked hostages, Adam Rose and Adam Wagner; as well as several family members of the hostages.

The evening included a heart-rending performance of Acheinu, the prayer for the hostages.