Australian Jewish community inspired by captivity survivor Eli Sharabi as the JNF Australia’s 2025 campaign concludes

Gaza captivity survivor, Eli Sharabi, marked his inaugural visit to Australia since his release as part of the JNF Australia 2025 annual campaign, Together, We Rise With Israel, leaving audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth inspired by his resilience and positivity for the future of Israel.

In addition to 52-year-old Eli’s personal story, two young Israeli pioneers shared their passion and dedication to rebuild Israel – embodying the modern-day “chalutzim” (pioneers), committed to the four pillars of this year’s campaign to renew, rebuild, grow and heal.

Addressing sellout crowds in their thousands across all three states, the annual campaign week-long tour gave Eli the platform to share his personal story of surviving 491 days held in Hamas captivity and how he finds strength every day to live his life with purpose and meaning, in hope for a stronger Israel.

Since Eli’s release in February this year, he emerged as a symbol of the Israeli people’s indomitable spirit and in doing so, he has become a powerful voice for resilience and remembrance – sharing his story on international stages, addressing global leaders and communities around the world, and now, to our Jewish Australian community. His story reflects the very essence of this year’s campaign theme, Together, We Rise With Israel – a determination to rebuild, renew, grow and heal and now it’s Australia’s turn to rise with Israel.

All national events included an in-depth Q&A with Eli, a heartfelt musical performance by Hagit Yaso and a presentation by the modern-day pioneers, Uriel Weintraub and Almog Levanon, who shared their commitment to rebuilding Kibbutz Manara.

In Sydney, in front of 1,500 people, Eli’s strength and determination shone through, as shlicha, Sarah Vanunu says, “Eli Sharabi’s story of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable loss reminds us why we must keep building and believing in a stronger future for Israel. There is no other way.”

During the Sydney event, Eli revealed never-before-heard details of his time in captivity. In a powerful interview led by renowned international journalist Nadav Eyal, he shared not only the harrowing realities of his experience but also his hopes and vision for the future of Israel.

He said, “I have come back from hell. I spent 440 days in the tunnels. Every minute feels like forever. But I want to live. It’s a choice. I love life. I promised my daughters I’ll come back to them. I was concentrating about surviving. And I didn’t let any feelings or emotions hold me back.”

He continued, “When I was 50 meters underground, I had a lot of time to think. And I really understand what is important in life and this race we are having every day at work for more money or more achievements in work. And I want to say that you don’t miss it, you don’t miss and don’t care if you have a two-bedroom house or four-bedroom house. You don’t miss your car. You don’t miss your bank account. You miss your family. You miss your friends. And you miss your freedom.”

Eli remarked that he was pleased Hamas did not tell him that his wife and daughters were murdered on October 7 as his promise to return is what kept him alive. He powerfully shared that his wife, Lianne, and daughters, Noiya and Yahel, now live “alongside” him and give him the strength to continue living.

Concluding with a heartwarming statement, Eli said that he has “circles of love around me.” He stressed the importance of staying united both as Israeli Jews and Diaspora Jews, saying, “It’s really really important we stay together. This is the only way that we can defeat our enemies to stay united.”

Interviewer and award-winning journalist Nadav Eyal interviewed Eli at both the Sydney and Melbourne events, saying that he was particularly struck by the strength and solidarity of the Australian Jewish community and their determination for a stronger Israel, who said, “I encountered a strong, warm, and determined community. As I mentioned in Sydney and Melbourne, I drew inspiration not only from my fellow Israelis but also – from the diaspora, and in this case Australian Jews – who are confronting the current challenges with resolve and unwavering commitment to their traditions, to supporting Jews everywhere, and to standing with Israel”.

NSW President Jason Eisner said, “Standing with 1,500 people committed to Israel’s future and hearing from such meaningful speakers was deeply inspiring. This year, JNF’s focus is even more important; not only to repair, but to rebuild better, with tangible projects that will make Israel safer, stronger, and more innovative than ever before.”
In Melbourne, in front of 1,300 community members at their annual campaign, Nadav’s interview with Eli revealed more details of his time in captivity and further reinforced his indomitable spirit.

Executive Director, Ilana Maizels said, “What a powerful and emotionally uplifting evening that united our community and connected us all to Israel. The feedback we received from our community was overwhelmingly positive.”

Victorian president, Vicki Fleiszig-Marton, said that the audience was not only uplifted by Eli’s spirit but inspired by the commitment of the young “chalutzim” (pioneers), Uriel and Almog, who are committed to rebuilding Kibbutz Manara in Israel’s north.

“They are the modern-day pioneers committed to rebuilding Israel. We are so proud to support Kibbutz Manara as one of our 20 projects as part of this year’s campaign. They are living proof that the young adults of Israel share the same pioneering spirit of the founders of our State,” Vicki said.

In Perth, Eli was interviewed by Christopher Dore, Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian and The Nightly. As an award-winning journalist with over three decades working across the country in senior newsroom and leadership roles, Dore established a natural rapport with Eli, leading to a compelling and insightful conversation.

Perth Head of Community Engagement, Nikki Leib, said, “JNF’s special guests this year inspired us with their energy, strengthened us with their optimism, and above all, lifted our spirits with their messages of hope. Whether it was rebuilding a devasted community or Eli rebuilding his life so soon after experiencing his darkest days, our community left the event feeling motivated to join JNF’s mission to rebuild and regrow Israel.”

This year’s campaign is focused on supporting strategic projects that bring families back to their homes – and not just to what was lost, but to what will be better, safer, and more sustainable.

Through outdoor recreational spaces, communal facilities, emotional and trauma support services, educational programs, water management and environmental restoration, JNF Australia is committed to developing and sustaining the land of Israel for the benefit of its people and future generations.

“Rebuilding Israel is not only about infrastructure – it’s about healing lives and restoring hope, something that Eli Sharabi embodies in spades. Our mission is to make communities in the north and south bigger, better, and more attractive than ever – places where people not only live, but thrive,” Doron Lazarus, CEO of JNF Australia, explains.

This campaign comes at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. With northern and southern border communities still facing ongoing threats and tens of thousands of residents remain displaced. Israel’s resilience is being tested daily, making JNF Australia’s long-standing partnership with these frontline communities more critical than ever.

JNF National President Pam Krail said that the national annual campaign was unforgettable, “we are profoundly humbled by Eli Sharabi’s strength, and by the enduring vision and spirit of Uriel and Almog. These fellow Israelis embody courage and commitment, inspiring us all to strive for the return of every hostage and for a stronger Israel.”

In addition to over 60 projects that JNF Australia has already supported since October 7, the 2025 campaign will support more than 20 urgently needed initiatives, including:

 

• The rebuilding of Kibbutz Manara – located on the border with Lebanon, Kibbutz Manara was evacuated on October 8, 2023 and in the months that followed, 74% of the kibbutz was destroyed. Two young pioneers have committed to rebuilding the kibbutz and bring the families home and ensure that the border communities are never abandoned again.
• The Water Reservoir Restoration Project at Kibbutz Nahal Oz is essential to reviving the kibbutz’s agricultural foundation after the devastating events of October 7. With the main reservoir destroyed and fields damaged, restoring this critical infrastructure is key to the community’s recovery, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
• Kibbutz Be’eri Outdoor Educational Space – building a central hub for play, learning and healing, offering children and families a sense of normalcy. Eli is a former resident of Kibbutz Be’eri.
• Therapeutic green space in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, providing nature-based trauma recovery for residents coping with extreme emotional distress.
• The Community Stress Prevention Centre in Kiryat Shmona is a vital initiative addressing the growing mental health crisis following the events of October 7. As a national leader in trauma care and resilience building, the centre will deliver innovative programs that equip northern Israeli communities with long-term tools for emotional recovery and strength.
• The Replant for Growth & Regaining Resilience project at Kibbutz Misgav Am focuses on restoring the natural landscape and communal spaces after extensive war-related damage. Through reforestation, community gardens, and outdoor recreational areas, the initiative aims to create a healing environment that supports the emotional and physical recovery of residents returning to rebuild their lives on the Lebanon border.

 

These projects reflect just a portion of the broader impact JNF Australia continues to make in rebuilding, renewing, and standing with the people of Israel. Other vital projects will be supported based on the evolving needs and priorities of our partner communities. For many years, JNF Australia have supported various projects and with Eli’s vision and determination, they will continue to undertake life-changing projects for the community.

To support JNF Australia’s annual campaign, visit www.jnf.org.au or call 1300 563 563

 

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