Eli Sharabi, who endured 491 days as a hostage in Gaza, revealed to Fox News Digital that he had cautioned Australian authorities about escalating antisemitism well before the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach. In June, he met with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, urging them to address the issue more forcefully.
Sharabi recalled telling the officials, "When it happens, a hate crime here, it will be your responsibility because you have to have a stronger voice against antisemitism." He described the subsequent attack as "crazy" but not unexpected, given the warnings he had issued.
A spokesperson for Wong stated that she "deeply appreciated her meeting with Eli Sharabi and thanks him for sharing his insights and experiences." The spokesperson added that Wong has consistently condemned antisemitism and that the government is strengthening laws against it in response to the Bondi incident.
Sharabi, released from captivity on Feb. 8, 2025, after being taken from Kibbutz Be'eri on Oct. 7, 2023, learned post-release that his wife and daughters were killed during the Hamas attack. He has since traveled globally, sharing his story and advocating for hostage releases, including that of Alon Ohel, whom he bonded with in captivity.
Reflecting on his freedom, Sharabi said, "First of all, I'm alive. Second, I'm free, and I've learned that freedom is priceless." He expressed a desire to move forward, noting he cannot return to Be'eri due to traumatic memories and plans to start anew in central Israel.
