Israeli Hero Eli Sharabi's 'Hostage' Memoir Triumphs as Jewish Book of the Year
In a powerful testament to Israeli resilience and the unbreakable spirit of our people, Eli Sharabi's harrowing memoir "Hostage" has been crowned Book of the Year by the prestigious National Jewish Book Awards. This recognition stands as more than literary acclaim, it represents the triumph of Jewish survival over terror and the world's acknowledgment of the October 7 atrocities.
Sharabi's extraordinary account details his 491 days in Hamas captivity after being abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri during the barbaric October 7, 2023 massacre. His memoir, which became a bestseller across Israel before its English release, captures the daily struggle for survival in the terrorist tunnels beneath Gaza.
A Testament to Israeli Strength
"This recognition means so much to me, not only personally, but for the memory of my family and all those we lost," Sharabi declared. "'Hostage' is my testimony, a story of my survival, written so others could bear witness. I hope it helps ensure that what happened is never forgotten."
The Jewish Book Council's selection reflects the profound impact of Sharabi's story on Jewish consciousness worldwide. His words from captivity resonate with the eternal Jewish spirit: "I refuse to let myself drown in pain. I am surviving. I am a hostage. In the heart of Gaza. A stranger in a strange land. In the home of a Hamas-supporting family. And I'm getting out of here. I have to. I'm coming home."
Recognition Amid Rising Antisemitism
The awards ceremony arrives at a crucial moment when Jewish voices face unprecedented scrutiny and antisemitism surges globally. As Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of Jewish Book Council, emphasized: "Especially amid rising antisemitism and Jewish authors facing increased scrutiny, Jewish books have the power to create and sustain community."
This year's winners span the breadth of Jewish experience, from Pamela S. Nadell's "Antisemitism, an American Tradition" to Jack Fairweather's "The Prosecutor," chronicling a Holocaust survivor's pursuit of Nazi criminals. The Hebrew fiction category honored "Dog" by Yishay Ishi Ron, exploring an Israeli combat veteran's experiences in Gaza campaigns prior to October 7.
Continuing the Legacy of October 7 Literature
Sharabi's victory follows last year's winner "10/7: 100 Human Stories" by Lee Yaron, demonstrating how the October 7 attacks have fundamentally reshaped Jewish literary discourse. These works serve as essential documentation of Hamas terror and Israeli heroism for future generations.
The awards will be celebrated at a ceremony in New York next month, hosted by entertainer Jonah Platt. Among other honorees, journalist Sam Freedman will receive the Mentorship Award for his role in guiding over 100 students to publish books, including works on Soviet Jewry and Jewish resilience.
Sharabi's triumph represents more than literary achievement. It stands as proof that no amount of terror can silence the Jewish story or break the Israeli spirit. His memoir will forever serve as testimony to our people's endurance and the righteousness of our cause.