Freed Hostage Eli Sharabi Visits Family of Missing Girl, Vows to Aid Return

Eli Sharabi, who was held captive by Hamas for 491 days before his release, visited the Sukkah of Benzi and Tzipi Kessao in Jerusalem on Sunday. Their daughter, Haimanut Kessao, disappeared on February 25, 2024. Sharabi, accompanied by his brother Sharon, stated that the visit was a moral obligation and emphasized the importance of supporting the Kessao family during this difficult time.

"It was very moving to meet the Kessao family," Sharabi said, describing them as "a modest, quiet family that even seems a bit lost." He stressed the need to provide them with hope and support, calling his visit a personal duty. Sharabi highlighted the crucial role public support played during his own captivity, noting that "the support of all of Israel, throughout all the days of my captivity, for my family, gave them so much hope and very strong backing." He added that his family still frequently speaks of that support.

Sharabi urged the public to unite behind the Kessao family and to work towards Haimanut's return. "I think it is very important that we all unite around this family to bring her home and truly do everything," he stated. He called for maximum effort, including engaging "all possible security elements" to contribute to the investigation and secure Haimanut's safe return. Sharabi specifically mentioned the involvement of the Shin Bet security agency, emphasizing the need to "shed light on this difficult case."