The most tragic game fate played on the Israeli Hamas hostage Eli Sharabi who was released yesterday after 491 days in captivity but was unaware that his wife Lianne and teenage daughters Noiya and Yahel had been murdered in their home in kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. Sharabi had been kidnapped with his brother Yossi who was killed during his hostage-taking in Gaza.

Sharabi’s first request when he returned to Israel was to see his family because he was unaware that his wife and two daughters were murdered in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Jewish media reported.
Sharabi was informed of the death of his wife and daughters after returning from the Gaza Strip.

He was initially reunited with his mother Hannah and sister Osnat, and then with other members of his family, including his brother Sharon. His family was reportedly given advice on how to announce that he no longer had a family.

At the handover ceremony, Sharabi was asked in Hebrew by the Hamas gunman how he felt about being free:”I feel very, very happy today to return to my family and friends, my wife and daughters.”

He had reportedly told IDF soldiers during the trip out of Gaza that he was looking forward to seeing his wife and children.

Like Sharabi, Levy returned to tragedy and mourning. His wife Elkayam Levy was murdered in the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival, where he had been kidnapped. Levy was informed of the shocking news upon his return to Israel.

He spoke with his 3-year-old son Almog in a video call after his release. “Daddy, it took you a long time to come back.”

Sharabi and Ben Ami are friends from kibbutz Be’eri, which was destroyed by the Hamas attack. The community said in a statement that Sharabi is returning from captivity to a more terrible reality in Israel. We embrace him and will continue to offer him the best possible support,”the kibbutz said.

Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami and Or Levy returned on Saturday to the fifth release of the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. They had been held captive for 491 days.