Former hostage visits Parliament House

House Speaker Milton Dick welcomed former Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi to Parliament House on Tuesday, acknowledging his presence in the gallery following his release from 491 days in Hamas captivity.

Sharabi was abducted by terrorists from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in which 1200 Israelis were murdered and 251 taken hostage. He was released in February 2025 as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal in effect at the time.

He only learned upon his release that his wife Lianne and daughters Noiya and Yahel had been murdered by terrorists. Sharabi’s brother Yossi was also murdered and his body remains in Gaza.

“Even in silence, his presence speaks volumes – a powerful reminder of the deep and lasting pain of that day, and of our duty to never forget,” Dick told the House of Representatives.

While at Capital Hill, Sharabi met with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong to advocate for the release of the remaining 48 hostages, including the body of his brother Yossi.

Speaking in a video recorded in a Parliament House courtyard and shared to social media, Sharabi said he had come to Canberra to remind Australian leaders about those still held captive.

“My name is Eli Sharabi. I was in Hamas captivity for 491 days. My brother Yossi was kidnapped as well on October 7, and after that, been killed in Hamas captivity, and his body is still held by Hamas terrorists,” he said.

“My wife Lianne and my two daughters Noiya and Yahel, have been murdered on October 7. I have arrived today to Canberra to meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister just to remind them that we still have 48 hostages that remain in Hamas captivity.”

The Israeli embassy said Sharabi had endured “unimaginable abuse and isolation” during his captivity.

Sharabi also met with the federal Parliamentary Friends of Israel during his visit to Canberra.

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, who met with him at Parliament House, praised his courage in travelling to Australia just six months after his release.

“The courage shown by Eli, a mere six months after he was freed, and after all his grievous losses, to travel to Australia and globally and to speak on behalf of the hostages, is a testament to his tremendous strength of character,” Sharma said.

Sharma said Sharabi’s message was clear: “Please keep speaking out on behalf of the hostages. Do not forget them.”

Sharabi is in Australia for Jewish National Fund campaign events.