Thank you to the UJIA for bringing Eli Sharabi (the Israeli hostage freed after 491 days) along with his family to meet our community in Greater Manchester.

It was a huge privilege to hear Eli tell his story in conversation with Rachel Riley at Heaton Park Synagogue in front of a sell-out crowd of 800 people. He spoke about his devastating experience on 7 October; his time being held in unimaginably difficult conditions and the pain of being informed upons his release that his beloved wife and daughters were murdered by Hamas terrorists. Eli had the additional pain of learning that his brother, who unbeknown to him was also taken hostage and imprisoned, was also murdered. His body remains in Gaza.

Throughout recounting his story with incredible dignity, it is impossible not to be deeply moved by Eli’s faith, strength, resilience and determination. Despite his grief, there was a strong message of unity and hope along with a plea to not forget the 50 people still held against their will by terrorists in Gaza.

Our community stands together with Eli and his family. We echo the calls for governments around the world to do all they can so those still held against their will in curel and inhumane conditions are immediately returned to their loved ones.