Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage freed by Hamas after 491 days in captivity, delivered a testimony at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. He described the loss of his wife and daughters and condemned the international community’s failure to act, calling for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.
He said, “On February 8, 2025, I was released. I weighed 44 kg. This is less than the body weight of my youngest daughter, Yael. May her memory be a blessing.” Eli Sharabi’s testimony painted a picture of the physical and emotional toll of his captivity. The reality of his release sank in when a Red Cross representative told him he was safe—but how could he feel safe after 449 days of torment? His return home was not a moment of relief but one of devastation. When he asked for his wife and daughters, he was told the unthinkable—they had been murdered.
He added, “I'm here today because I survived and I prevailed. But that is not enough. Not when 59 hostages are still there.” Eli Sharabi’s survival has given him a mission: to bring the remaining hostages home.
He spoke of Alone, a hostage still trapped underground, surrounded by terrorists, not knowing if he will ever see his family again.
His testimony also called out the failures of the international community: “Where was the United Nations? Where was the Red Cross? Where was the world?” He recounted how Hamas stole aid intended for civilians, carrying boxes marked with UN and UNWRA emblems into tunnels to feed themselves while hostages starved.
He further stated, “Bring them all home. No more excuses. No more delays.” Eli Sharabi has taken his plea to world leaders—President Trump, Prime Minister Starmer—and now to the United Nations. His survival is not enough while others remain in captivity. His closing words “My name is Eli Sharabi. I am not a diplomat. I am a survivor. Bring them all home. Now.”
