On October 7th, 2023 the terrorist regime Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel. Hamas fighters attacked Israel while firing thousands of rockets towards Israeli cities. Throughout the attacks, over 1,200 innocent civilians were killed, including 46 Americans. This became known as the most brutal and deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history. Not only were 1,200 people killed, but Hamas took 254 hostages into captivity as well. Among these hostages was a man named Eli Sharabi. After he was released, he traveled to many synagogues and community centers and spoke about his experiences and how he persevered through this horrible time. I recently had the privilege of hearing his story and reading his new bestselling novel, Hostage, about his time in captivity.

Eli Sharabi was captured on the morning of October 7th. He was ripped away from his wife and two daughters. Little did he know, he was going to be taken captive for over a year and his life would be forever changed. Eli’s novel goes into great detail about the brutal conditions under which he and other hostages were held captive. They were crammed in underground tunnels beneath Gaza with little food and water, unsanitary conditions and no connection to the outside world. He was filled with constant fear and uncertainty of when he would be released. Despite his intense suffering, Eli Sharabi and his fellow captives supported one another emotionally and mentally each day to survive. Eli states, “I never looked at death as an option. I always chose life.” His will to survive was driven by the thought of seeing his family again. He celebrated the small moments of positivity to keep pushing through this challenging time. Eventually, Eli Sharabi was released on February 8th, 2025 as part of a temporary cease-fire. After his release, he was confronted with the news of the murders of his wife, brother, and children. As the novel concludes, Eli attempts to rebuild his life and speak publicly about what he experienced and advocate for the other hostages still held in Gaza.

Eli Sharabi’s strength and resilience is incredibly inspiring. His ability to persevere despite incredible adversity and to remain positive through this difficult time is a lesson everyone should learn from. He inspired many including his fellow captives, who might have given up if not for Eli’s determination to make it out alive. It was an honor for me to hear directly from such an inspiring survivor.  He is a reminder to all people of how a strong and determined mindset can overcome even the most difficult experiences.