Eli Sharabi’s memoir about being held hostage by Hamas for nearly 500 days will be published in the U.S. later this year.
Harper Influence will publish an English-language edition of Sharabi’s Hostage in the fall, the press announced in a news release.
Harabi was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after gunmen burst into his home in Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel near Gaza. The gunmen killed his wife, two teenage daughters, and dog. He was held hostage for 491 days before being released on February 8, 2025.
His book about his experiences, published in Israel by Sella Meir Press, was the first to be written by a former October 7 hostage and became the fastest-selling book in the history of Hebrew-language publishing.
In his book, Harper says, Sharabi “brings readers along as he is transported into Gaza, first into the homes of his captors, and then into the dark and terrifying tunnels” and “reveals how his faith gave him the resilience to endure the horrific conditions and overcome mental anguish.”
“It was important to me that the story come out as quickly as possible, so that the world will understand what life is like inside captivity,” Sharabi said in a statement. “Once they do, they will not be able to remain indifferent. But I also want readers to know that even in the darkest of times, you can always seek out the light and choose humanity.”
Hostage is scheduled for publication on October 7, 2025, the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
