Eli Sharabi reveals horrors of life in Hamas captivity
- Eli Sharabi's memoir, originally published in Hebrew, describes his experience in Hamas captivity.
- The book is set for release on October 7, marking two years since the attack that led to his abduction.
- Sharabi emphasizes the importance of sharing his story to foster awareness and compassion towards the plight of hostages.
In the fall of 2023, Eli Sharabi's memoir detailing his experience of captivity by Hamas is scheduled for release in the United States. This memoir, titled 'Hostage' and originally written in Hebrew, has already seen success as a bestseller in Israel. Sharabi's account is significant as it represents the first published memoir by someone kidnapped during the surprise attack on October 7, 2023. The announcement emerged from Harper Influence, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, confirming the English-language edition will appear on the two-year anniversary of the attack. Sharabi, now 53, spent over a year in captivity and underwent extreme physical deterioration, reducing to under 100 pounds during his captivity, which was less than the weight of his deceased youngest daughter. Tragically, both his wife and older daughter were killed in that attack, where over 1,000 lives were lost and more than 200 individuals became hostages. Sharabi's intent for publishing the memoir swiftly is aimed at enlightening the world about the grim realities of captivity, as he believes that such awareness can evoke empathy and understanding. The memoir recounts not just his harrowing experiences but also highlights the bonds formed among hostages, including a father-son-like relationship with another hostage, Alon Ohel, who remains captive in Gaza. The narrative emphasizes how Sharabi's faith provided him with the strength to endure horrific conditions and emerge from the depths of despair. Meanwhile, Keith Siegel, another Israeli-American hostage taken during the same attack, has shared his own traumatic experiences with lawmakers to advocate for the release of remaining hostages. Siegel, who endured nearly 16 months of captivity, conveyed the brutal realities faced by hostages, including threats and torture. His wife, Aviva, had been released earlier but Siegel remained detained until January 2025. The urgency in these accounts sheds light on the plight of hostages and their families, as many continue to suffer in silence.