Hostage Survivor Eli Sharabi Mourns Daughter Yahel on Her 16th Birthday

Eli Sharabi, a hostage survivor from Kibbutz Be'eri, shared an emotional and heartbreaking Instagram post marking three years since the murder of his daughter, Yahel, who would have celebrated her 16th birthday today.

Sharabi was held captive by Hamas for 491 days. During the October 7 massacre and its aftermath, his wife Lian, his daughters Noya and Yahel, and his brother Yossi—who was also abducted—were murdered.

Remembering Yahel

In his post, Sharabi eulogized his murdered daughter and described the light she brought into the world. "Today my Yahel was supposed to be 16 years old. Yahel, my funny and smart girl, who always knew how to bring light, laughter, and joy everywhere she went," he wrote.

He described her unique personality, noting that she always lived on the edge with courage, curiosity, and a special path entirely her own.

"I miss every laugh, every smile, and every moment with her, and try to imagine what an amazing teenager she would have become today. Happy 16th birthday, my Yahel. My heart is always with you," Sharabi concluded.

A Passion for Football and Nature

Yahel was only 13 years old when she was murdered. Known affectionately as a "wild child" by her family, she excelled in mathematics and English, loved extreme activities, and volunteered at the kibbutz petting zoo.

Above all, Yahel was a promising football player. At age 11, she joined the Hapoel Be'eri Eshkol team, standing out for her deep commitment to the game. Recently, the girls' teams of the Hapoel Petah Tikva football club were officially renamed in honor of Yahel, Noya, and Lian to preserve their memory.

The Survivor's Journey

Following his release from captivity, Sharabi authored the bestseller "Abducted," documenting his ordeal from October 7 until his return to Israel.

"I focus and narrow down to one mission: survival and returning home. There is no more ordinary Eli; from now on, I am Eli the survivor," he wrote in the book.