Hostage Survivor Eli Sharabi: Grief Is a Daily Reality

Eli Sharabi, a survivor of captivity, spoke with i24NEWS ahead of a family ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre, which he is hosting. Sharabi described his feelings at a memorial event in Kibbutz Be'eri earlier that day, stating, "The feelings are not simple, it’s very complex." He noted that each family was gathered around their loved one's grave, including his brother Yossi's. Afterward, he visited the cemetery where his wife Lian and daughters Yahil and Noya are buried, adding that the ceremony becomes "harder each year."

Sharabi expressed that the support from attendees, expected to number 50,000 at the main family ceremony, and media attention provide comfort, calling it "heartwarming." He urged people to set aside their disputes, emphasizing that "memory has no connection to politics or political opinion." He believes the ceremony will serve as proof of this unity.

He shared that his wife Lian and daughters Noya and Yahil are always with him, and he speaks to them constantly. Sharabi explained that bereaved parents and those who have experienced such profound tragedy do not need an official memorial day, as their grief is a daily occurrence. "For us, it happens every day, everywhere, and in every situation. Also with Yossi. The loss of the family is very great, and we remember them all the time, that's how we strengthen each other."

Sharabi hopes his daughters are proud of him, stating that everything he has done in the past 20 months aligns with promises he made to them at their graves a week after his release. He regrets they cannot be present at the ceremony under better circumstances. He also humorously recalled that his wife Lian would likely tease him about writing a book, given his past aversion to reading them.