Hostage Survivor Eli Sharabi Marks Daughter's 16th Birthday With Heartfelt Tribute
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hostage survivor Eli Sharabi marked his daughter Yahil's 16th birthday with a tribute.
- Yahil was murdered at age 13 during the October 7th attack on Kibbutz Be'eri.
- Sharabi's wife, another daughter, and his brother were also killed.
- Yahil was remembered as a joyful, adventurous, and talented soccer player.
- Youth soccer teams were named after Yahil, her sister, and mother.
- Sharabi wrote a bestselling book about his 491 days in captivity.
Eli Sharabi, a survivor of Hamas captivity, posted a moving tribute on Instagram to his daughter Yahil, who would have celebrated her 16th birthday on Tuesday. Sharabi was held captive for 491 days. His wife Lian, daughters Noya and Yahil, and brother Yossi were murdered during or after the October 7th attack on Kibbutz Be'eri, where he resides.
In his post, Sharabi remembered Yahil, who was killed at age 13, as a source of light, laughter, and joy. He described her adventurous spirit and unique personality, noting she "always lived on the edge, with courage, curiosity, and in her special way." He expressed his deep longing for her, "I miss every laugh, every smile, and every moment with her, and try to imagine what an amazing young woman she would have become today. Happy 16th birthday, my Yahil. My heart is always with you."
Yahil was known for her vibrant personality, excelling in math and English. Her family affectionately called her a "wild child" due to her love for extreme activities, nature trips, and working at the kibbutz's petting zoo. She was also a talented and promising young soccer player, joining the "Hapoel Be'eri Eshkol" team at age 11 and showing deep commitment to the sport.
In recognition of Yahil's passion for soccer, the girls' and youth teams of the "Hapoel Petah Tikva" football club were recently named in her honor, along with her sister Noya and mother Lian. This initiative aims to preserve their memory for young girls who share similar dreams.
Following his release from captivity, Sharabi authored the book "Hostage," detailing his experiences from October 7th until his return to Israel. The book became a bestseller, with Sharabi describing the immense mental fortitude required for survival, stating, "I focus and gather myself for one mission: my survival and my return home. The regular Eli is no more, from now on I am Eli the survivor."
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