Ex-Israeli hostage whose family were killed on 7 October is ‘trying to be positive' | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Hamas Attack (October 7th, 2023)
• Hostage Crisis in Gaza
• Inhumane Captivity Conditions
• Starvation and Physical Abuse
• Psychological Trauma
• Devastating Personal Loss (Wife, Daughters, Brother)
• Post-Release Grief and Advocacy
• Resilience and Choosing Life

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The October 7th Attack and Abduction Ellie Sharabi's ordeal began on October 7th, when Hamas gunmen stormed his home. His Bristol-born wife, Leanne, and two British-Israeli daughters, Noa and Jael, were sleeping. The terrorists quickly located and shot into their safe room. Ellie and Leanne instinctively protected their daughters, with Leanne jumping on Noa and Ellie on Jael. Three terrorists then took the girls to the kitchen area, recognizing their British passports. Ellie's last words to his daughters as they were taken hostage to Gaza were, "I'll be back." This was the last time he saw them.

Initial Captivity and Humiliation Immediately after being taken, Ellie was attacked. His first stop was a mosque, where a mob of civilians, including children, lynched him with their bare hands and shoes while he was on the ground. He described the experience of being a hostage as "scary" and "humiliating," requiring permission to perform basic functions like breathing, talking, or going to the toilet, and having to beg for food and water.

Inhumane Conditions of Captivity Ellie was held for 16 months, chained in inhumane conditions deep underground in Hamas tunnels, often in a cage-like area with three other hostages.

• Physical Restraints: Hostages were tied with ropes on their legs and hands.
• Physical Abuse and Pain: Ellie fainted from pain periodically, and at one point, his ribs were broken.
• Starvation: This was described as the "worst thing," especially during the last six months. Hostages received only one meal a day, consisting of one and a half pita breads.
• Weight Loss: Ellie arrived in Gaza on October 7th weighing over 70 kilograms and was released 16 months later weighing only 44 kilograms, indicating severe malnutrition.

Bittersweet Release and Devastating Loss Ellie's release was "bittersweet." Days before his release, Hamas informed him that his brother, Yossi, had been killed in captivity, likely due to an Israeli attack. During a rehearsed Hamas ceremony, emaciated, he expressed his desire to see his wife and family, dreaming of taking Leanne, Noa, and Jael back to England.

However, upon arriving in Israel, he learned the devastating truth. A social worker approached him, stating his mother and sister were waiting. When he asked for Leanne and his daughters, the social worker indicated that his mother and sister would explain, confirming "the worst scenario happened." After crying for a few minutes, Ellie resolved, "I can cry all day, but it will not help me to bring back Leanne and Noa in the hell." He then chose to embrace his mother and sister. He articulated the profound paradox of his situation: "Of course, you're happy that you released. I don't have a wife and my daughters. I don't have my oldest brother. It was very tough." His first and hardest phone call was to his wife's parents in Britain, which was "very emotional" and "very difficult."

Advocacy and Resilience Despite his immense personal loss, Ellie Sharabi is actively campaigning for the remaining hostages. He met with President Trump, asking him "to finish the job" and help bring "all the other" hostages back. His urgent plea is for "all the 48 hostages back today, tomorrow." He desires for the conflict to stop, acknowledging the suffering caused by war but emphasizing the need to remember "who started that." Ellie is fighting for those left behind while grieving his lost family, stating his commitment to positivity, working on it, and "choosing life."

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Synthesis/Conclusion Ellie Sharabi's testimony provides a harrowing account of the October 7th Hamas attack, his 16-month captivity in inhumane conditions marked by starvation and abuse, and the profound personal tragedy of losing his wife, two daughters, and oldest brother. His story highlights the brutal realities faced by hostages and the devastating impact of the conflict on individuals and families. Despite unimaginable loss, Ellie demonstrates remarkable resilience, choosing to focus on life and actively campaigning for the release of the remaining hostages, emphasizing the urgent need for their return and a cessation of hostilities while holding accountable those who initiated the violence.