UPDATE: Eli Sharabi has marked his first Christmas in Wales after enduring 491 days in Hamas captivity. This poignant celebration occurred just last week, where he joined his brother-in-law, Steve Brisley, for a holiday dinner that filled a once-empty seat at the table.
Brisley had made a heart-wrenching gesture last year, setting a place for Sharabi, marked with a napkin bearing his name. Now, in a powerful moment of reunion, Sharabi sat at that spot, surrounded by Brisley and his family as they commemorated the holiday together. Tragically, this holiday was also a reminder of the loved ones Sharabi lost; his wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were killed during the attack on October 7, 2023.
Brisley, a dedicated advocate for Sharabi’s release, had spoken about Sharabi’s love for Christmas traditions. At the Limmud 2023 event, lawyers Adam Rose and Adam Wagner shared a photograph of Sharabi now occupying the once-absent seat, marking a significant shift from last year’s emotional absence.
During a packed session, Rose expressed the importance of the moment, recalling how he had presented the image of the empty place last year. “This year, we can finally share the image of Sharabi safe at the table,” he said, evoking deep emotions among attendees.
The lawyers also reflected on the advocacy strategies used to secure support for British hostages. Rose recounted advice from Richard Ratcliffe, who campaigned for his wife’s release from Iranian detention. “The British government and Foreign Office will only act if you publicly embarrass them,” Ratcliffe had advised.
Just under 24 hours after Brisley’s remarks criticizing the government’s lack of support for hostages, David Cameron, the then Foreign Secretary, announced new initiatives aimed at assisting British families of hostages, including the establishment of a dedicated support group within the Foreign Office.
“We managed to get the British government to take its responsibility seriously,” Rose stated. “We’ve helped set up a structure.” He cautioned, however, that such crises could recur, stating, “If it’s not Hamas, it will be another group we haven’t yet heard of.”
In a promising development, Rose confirmed that the Prime Minister had committed to intensifying sanctions against Hamas and its affiliates, a move echoed by Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer. Yet, challenges remain as Wagner noted the government’s refusal to grant citizenship to the elderly parents of British-Israeli hostage Sharone Lifschitz. Instead, a compromise was reached to treat non-British hostages with links as if they were British nationals.
“Once the system was in place, it was beneficial,” Wagner emphasized, highlighting organized trips for hostage families to Qatar. Lifschitz, whose father Oded was killed during the conflict, expressed gratitude to the lawyers for their tireless efforts, praising the support system established for families of hostages.
“You were always a few steps ahead,” Lifschitz remarked, emphasizing that their legal expertise has been invaluable. “Our rights as human beings are universal, not just Israeli.”
As developments unfold, the emotional weight of Sharabi’s return home continues to resonate, highlighting the ongoing struggle of families affected by conflict. The situation remains fluid, with advocates pushing for increased government support and recognition of the hostages’ plight.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the continued efforts to secure the safety of hostages worldwide.
