Just hours after delivering a chilling testimony at the UN Security Council, former hostage Eli Sharabi visited the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Queens, New York, in an emotional moment of prayer, mourning, and gratitude.
Sharabi, who was held in captivity by Hamas for 491 days, lit a candle, recited kaddish (mourner’s prayer) for the first time in memory of his murdered family members, and read aloud the names of the hostages still held in Gaza.
“With the power of faith and unity, we can overcome everything,” he said at the sacred site.
The visit marked Sharabi’s first time entering a synagogue since his release. He was hosted by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Chabad Headquarters and joined by his brother Sharon and Rabbi Zalman Wolowik. The last time his brother had visited the same site was a year ago when he prayed for Sharabi’s release. “Exactly a year later, Eli was freed,” Sharon said with emotion.
At the Rebbe’s grave, Sharabi placed a handwritten letter of thanks, received a symbolic dollar traditionally given for blessing and protection, and expressed prayers for the return of the hostages. The symbolic gesture was organized by Hani Kozliner, who has been working with hostage families since October 7.
In a deeply moving moment, Sharabi recited kaddish for his brother Yossi, who was murdered in captivity and whose body remains held by Hamas.
Although Sharabi does not define himself as religious, he told those gathered that faith was what kept him alive underground.
“I came from the darkest place in the world – 50 meters below ground,” he said. “What gave me strength was saying ‘Shema Yisrael’ every morning. Every Friday night, we tried to make kiddush. We didn’t have wine, so we used water. Faith is what kept us alive.”Outside the tomb, he was approached by a woman who told him she had been coming to the Rebbe’s grave every Thursday evening since October to pray for him and the other hostages.
“That’s why I came tonight,” she told him. “For you.”
During the visit, Sharabi also met with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who was visiting the same night. The two embraced and exchanged blessings for continued strength and unity.
According to The Jerusalem Post’s report last week, Sharabi detailed to the UNSC his 491 days of captivity in a Hamas tunnel, describing harrowing conditions and psychological torment.
Sharabi's testimony
His testimony included emotional pleas on behalf of those still in captivity and a clear call to the international community: to demand their release and to recognize the atrocities committed on October 7.
He revealed that only after his release did he learn the full extent of the tragedy: his wife and two daughters were among the 1,200 people killed by Hamas during the massacre. His brother Yossi and nephew Noam were also killed, and their bodies remain in Gaza.
Sharabi’s visit to the Rebbe’s grave also included conversations with Chabad rabbis about the Rebbe’s legacy – his concern for every Jew, his love of the Land of Israel, and his founding of the global shlichut (emissary) movement.
Kotlarsky noted that “the unity Eli speaks about – you can see it right here. Since October 7, people from all backgrounds have come to the Ohel [tomb] to pray for him and for the hostages.”
Each day since the massacre, visitors have come to the Rebbe’s resting place to pray on behalf of the hostages. Sharabi’s visit was, for many, a sign that prayers are being answered.
As he left the site, Sharabi shared a message he said kept him going throughout his ordeal and continues to inspire him today: “With the power of faith and unity, we can overcome everything.”