Former hostage Eli Sharabi, 52, made his first visit to Australia since his release in February from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, headlining JNF Australia’s 2025 annual campaign, titled “Together, We Rise With Israel.” Across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth this week, he shared his story of surviving 491 days underground in tunnels, inspiring thousands of people with his resilience, courage and hope for the future of Israel.
Since his release in February, Eli has become a symbol of the Israeli people’s strength and determination. During the Sydney event, he revealed never-before-heard details of his time in captivity in a moving interview with journalist Nadav Eyal.
“I have come back from hell,” he said. “I spent 440 days in the tunnels. Every minute feels like forever. But I want to live. It’s a choice. I love life. I promised my daughters I’d come back to them. I was concentrating on surviving. And I didn’t let any feelings or emotions hold me back.”
He explained that “when I was 50 meters underground, I had a lot of time to think. And I really understand what is important in life, this race we are having every day at work for more money or more achievements. You don’t miss it. You don’t care if you have a two-bedroom house or a four-bedroom house. You don’t miss your car. You don’t miss your bank account. You miss your family. You miss your friends. And you miss your freedom.”
Eli said he was relieved that Hamas never told him that his wife and daughters had been murdered in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as his promise to return to them was what kept him alive. He said his wife, Lianne, and daughters Noiya and Yahel, now live “alongside” him, giving him the strength to keep going.
Concluding with a reflection that resonated across all three cities, he added: “I have circles of love around me. It’s really, really important we stay together. This is the only way that we can defeat our enemies—to stay united.”
Nadav Eyal, who interviewed him in Sydney and Melbourne, noted he was struck not only by Sharabi’s resilience but also by the spirit of the Australian Jewish community: “I encountered a strong, warm, and determined community. I drew inspiration not only from my fellow Israelis but also from the Diaspora, and in this case, Australian Jews, who are confronting the current challenges with resolve and unwavering commitment to their traditions, to supporting Jews everywhere, and to standing with Israel.”
The campaign also showcased young Israeli pioneers Uriel Weintraub and Almog Levanon, who are leading the rebuilding of Kibbutz Manara on Israel’s northern border. Their work reflects this year’s campaign pillars of renewing, rebuilding, growing and healing. Israeli singer Hagit Yaso performed, adding another emotional dimension to the events.
JNF Australia, the country’s leading Jewish philanthropic organization supporting projects in Israel, directs its 2025 campaign toward strategic initiatives that help families return to their homes—not just to rebuild, but to create stronger, safer and sustainable communities, reinforcing the resilience of northern and southern border communities.
Among these are the rebuilding of Kibbutz Manara, 74% destroyed during the war; restoration of the water reservoir at Kibbutz Nahal Oz to revive agriculture; an outdoor educational space at Kibbutz Be’eri as a healing hub for children and families; and a therapeutic green space at Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha to support trauma recovery. Additional initiatives include a Community Stress Prevention Centre in Kiryat Shmona and environmental restoration through the Replant for Growth & Regaining Resilience project at Kibbutz Misgav Am.
Speaking about these initiatives, Sarah Vanunu, KKL-JNF Israel emissary to JNF Australia, said: “Eli Sharabi’s story of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable loss reminds us why we must keep building and believing in a stronger future for Israel. At such a critical time in our history, my shlichut to Australia has never felt more meaningful; it is truly a mission.”
The bond, she said, between Australia and Israel through JNF and KKL is “a two-way street, creating real impact on the ground and directly supporting projects that make a tangible difference to the communities in Israel that need it most. It’s not just a slogan for this year’s annual event. I truly believe: Together, we rise.”
