Finding Gratitude for an Addittional Spoon of Rice?
Former captive Eli Sharabi speaks of love, faith, and incredible strength
I really wanted to share this with you today.
On Tuesday, I posted here a short clip with Eli Sharabi, who returned from captivity after 491 days to learn that his wife and two daughters, the thought of whom kept him going throughout his captivity, had been murdered on October 7th. I then found this much longer article and knew I had to share at least parts of it. As I wrote Tuesday, Eli has stunned this nation with his inner strength and courage to live. These clips reveal to what an almost unbelievable extent this is so.
I had a lot of technical difficulties* with this video, and I worked hard to make each excerpt as smooth as possible. At times I could only begin each clip from a spot that doesn’t include the necessary background info for understanding the conversation, so I have included here a text intro to each clip.
Next week I will share more excerpts from this article as Eli’s voice is really so powerful.
In this first clip, Eli, who I have heard speak of his deep connection to his wife and daughters, surprises with his tenaciousness. The interview began with Eli saying how there was nothing he hadn’t yet been asked, so the interviewer asks him to prompt her to ask something that actually hasn’t been asked. Eli chose to bring this up:
From Israel’s Channel 13
Here Eli speaks about the way faith strengthened him in captivity and continues to strengthen him, which is unexpected from someone who a) comes from a secular kibbutz, and b) experienced something most people would call their worst nightmare. (More surprisingly, he is not the only returned hostage/kibbutznik to have this experience. )
From Israel’s Channel 13
Here the interviewer asks Eli about a tradition he had with the other captives he was held— how did they decide to each day tell each other the good things that happened to them?
From Israel’s Channel 13
As I said above, next week I will share more excerpts from this interveiw with Eli. Until then, I hope you find as much power in his words as I did.
Shabbat Shalom. 🪻🪻