President Trump has extended an invitation to Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage recently freed after enduring nearly 500 days in captivity under Hamas.
The 54-year-old’s release on February 8 shocked many, as his frail appearance raised concerns about the brutal conditions he had endured.
Now, he is set to visit Washington, accompanied by two other former hostages, to meet with Trump at the White House.
A Story of Survival and Unimaginable Hardship
Sharabi’s interview with Israel’s Channel 12 provided a chilling insight into his time in captivity.
He detailed the relentless physical abuse, starvation, and psychological torment inflicted upon him.
Shackled with heavy chains that dug into his skin, he was forced to survive on a meager 250-300 calories a day.
He and other hostages were subjected to torture, including beatings, suffocation, and branding with hot objects.
Held in a tiny, airless tunnel, they were deprived of food and water for days, only to be given rotten scraps to share among themselves.
The Invitation and Hope for More Releases
After watching Sharabi’s emotional interview with English subtitles, Trump extended an invitation to him and two other hostages to visit the White House.
His brother, Sharon Sharabi, confirmed that they would be flying to the U.S. on a private jet provided by Miriam Adelson, an influential Israeli-American donor.
The purpose of the meeting is clear—to push for further action in securing the release of the remaining 50 hostages still held in Gaza.
Sharon described the invitation as “inspiring” and expressed hope that it would bring renewed urgency to the situation.
A Harrowing Loss and Hamas’ Cruelty
Sharabi was unaware of the full extent of his personal tragedy until after his release.
Hamas had taunted him during his handover, forcing him to express excitement about reuniting with his family.
In reality, his British-born wife, Lianne, and their daughters, 16-year-old Noiya and 13-year-old Yahel, had been killed during the attacks on October 7, 2023.
Learning of their fate after months of enduring unimaginable suffering added another layer of heartbreak to his ordeal.
The Ongoing Battle for Justice
Sharabi’s testimony sheds light on the brutal tactics of Hamas, which mirrored the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
He recalled being told, “Our prisoners are not receiving food, so you won’t eat. They are being beaten, so we’ll beat you.”
These words underscore the cycle of retaliation that fuels the ongoing conflict.
Trump has drawn comparisons between Sharabi and other released hostages to Holocaust survivors, emphasizing the severity of their suffering.
As the former hostages prepare to share their stories in Washington, their visit could play a crucial role in shaping future diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of those still trapped in captivity.