Former hostage Eli Sharabi meets with UK Prime Minister, "I never lost hope"

His unwavering message: “We are not free until all the hostages are free.” On Friday, Sharabi met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, just weeks after his release from captivity. This emotional meeting comes shortly after Sharabi was part of a group of freed hostages who met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House earlier in the week.

A Painful Reunion with the Prime Minister

The encounter at 10 Downing Street was a deeply emotional one, as Sharabi recounted the horrific 491 days he spent in captivity. During his time as a hostage, he was subjected to severe abuse, including starvation and physical beatings, as he endured unimaginable conditions in the Gaza Strip. Sharabi shared his story with Prime Minister Starmer, describing how he was chained for much of his captivity, sometimes for months at a time, and was forced to survive on little more than a single plate of pasta a day. “Some [captives] were chained part of the time. I was chained for 16 months. Heavy locks tore into my flesh,” Sharabi revealed.

Despite these inhumane conditions, Sharabi remained resilient. He described the stark contrast between his imprisonment and the simple comforts many take for granted, like opening a fridge. “That’s what you dream of every day. You don’t care about the beatings you get. They beat you, they’re breaking my ribs, and I don’t care; give me another half-pita,” he said. His resilience remained strong, despite the overwhelming pain and humiliation he endured.

The British Prime Minister expressed his condolences over the tragic loss of Sharabi’s wife Lianne, their daughters Yahel and Noiya, who were British nationals, and his brother Yossi, who was also killed during captivity. The Prime Minister, moved by Sharabi’s testimony, commented that the word “inhumane” is often used, but Sharabi’s experience truly warranted the term. “It moved me and was very powerful,” said Starmer, acknowledging the profound suffering that Sharabi endured.

A Call for Action and Continued Advocacy

During their meeting, Sharabi thanked the UK government for its role in securing the release of hostages, especially through the efforts of British Prime Minister Starmer, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. President Trump. He expressed his gratitude for the international coordination that led to his own release but emphasized that his work is far from over. He continues to advocate for the 59 remaining hostages, of whom 24 are believed to be alive and still in captivity in Gaza. Sharabi’s brother, Sharon Sharabi, was also present during the meeting, marking a significant moment after years of family visits to Downing Street. Sharon had promised that they would return with Eli, and on Friday, that promise was fulfilled.

Sharabi’s advocacy extends beyond just his personal experience; he has committed to raising awareness for all the hostages still trapped in Gaza, including those with British ties like Avinatan Or and Shay Levinson. He urged the UK government to continue prioritizing efforts to free the remaining hostages, including securing the body of his brother Yossi.

A Symbolic Gift and Continued Advocacy

During the meeting, Sharabi presented Prime Minister Starmer with a framed Peter Brookes cartoon, which depicted him, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami in their emaciated condition upon their release, juxtaposed with Holocaust survivors under the caption “Never Again – Again.” This powerful image serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed and the need for global action to prevent further suffering. Sharabi had also gifted the same print to President Trump earlier in the week during their Oval Office meeting.

Reflecting on His Release and Advocacy for Others

Eli Sharabi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, has become a symbol of resilience. His family’s loss—his wife, daughters, and brother—has been a source of deep pain, but he continues to channel his grief into advocacy for those still in captivity. His release on February 8 shocked the world, as images of his frail condition served as a stark reminder of the cruelty he endured. Prime Minister Starmer had expressed relief upon his release but condemned the appalling conditions in which Sharabi was held.

Now, free, Sharabi remains steadfast in his efforts to ensure the remaining hostages are brought home. His work continues, and the British government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the freedom of those still held captive by Hamas. A spokesperson for the UK government emphasized that the ongoing suffering of those in captivity is a painful reminder of Hamas' inhumanity, and efforts to bring the hostages home will remain a top priority.

As Sharabi continues his advocacy, his message remains powerful and clear: the world cannot rest until all hostages are free.