On February 8, 2025, after 491 days in Hamas captivity, Eli Sharabi emerged from the tunnels of Gaza a shadow of his former self. He finally made his way home to Israel, only to learn the devastating news that his wife and daughters had been killed on October 7.

In his highly anticipated book Hostage, Sharabi recounts the harrowing details of his kidnapping on that tragic morning. He takes readers with him as he is transported into Gaza, first into the homes of his abductors and then into the dark and terrifying tunnels. He writes with stark and unflinching honesty about his captors. He offers moving descriptions of the relationships formed among the hostages, including the profound father-son bond he developed with Alon Ohel.

Sharabi also reveals how his faith sustained him, giving him the resilience to endure horrific conditions and survive unimaginable mental anguish.

The first memoir published by a survivor of Hamas captivity, Hostage became an instant bestseller in Israel, breaking the record for the fastest-selling book in the history of Hebrew publishing. Time Magazine named the English translation as one of the 100 must-read books of 2025.