A former Hamas hostage informed Digital that he had cautioned Australian leaders to treat antisemitism with greater urgency several months prior to the fatal shooting at Bondi Beach.

Eli Sharabi, who endured 491 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza, described the Bondi Beach assault as ‘crazy’ yet entirely foreseeable. Sharabi informed Digital that during his June visit to Australia, he held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, cautioning them that escalating antisemitism would culminate in a more severe incident.

Sharabi remembered informing the officials that antisemitic violence would occur in Australia and that he could already perceive the terror experienced by Jewish individuals on the streets. He pressed them to publicly denounce antisemitism before the situation deteriorated further.

He described to Digital how he had told Marles and Wong, ‘When a hate crime occurs here, it will be your responsibility because you must raise your voice more forcefully against antisemitism.’ However, Sharabi admitted he wasn’t sure at the time why he had issued such a warning.

‘Regrettably, it came to pass. And that’s insane, it’s insane. Truly, I feel terrible about it,’ he stated.

A representative for Wong expressed that she ‘deeply valued her discussion with Eli Sharabi and is grateful to him for offering his perspectives and personal story.’

‘Minister Wong has repeatedly denounced antisemitism and antisemitic violence,’ the spokesperson stated. ‘In reaction to the appalling antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, we are reinforcing legislation targeting individuals who propagate antisemitism and online harassment, making certain our educational framework adequately addresses antisemitism, and reducing the bar for revoking visas of those who enter Australia to disseminate antisemitism.’

The spokesperson also relayed Wong’s condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the Bondi Beach shooting.

Sharabi told Digital that the Bondi Beach attack, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, evoked memories of the oppression faced by European Jews during the 1940s.

‘Suddenly you get the sensation that we’ve returned to the 1940s, yet here we are in 2025, nine decades later, and these same horrors are recurring,’ Sharabi remarked.

Sharabi was liberated from Hamas imprisonment on February 8, 2025, 491 days after being abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during the October 7, 2023, massacre. Only after gaining his freedom did he discover that his wife Lianne and their daughters Noiya and Yahel had been murdered during the Hamas terrorist assault on Israel.

Following his release, Sharabi has journeyed across the globe addressing Jewish communities, international leaders, and diverse audiences about his ordeal as a hostage, an experience he documented in his book ‘Hostage,’ which has been translated into several languages.

Upon his release, he became aware that while he remained in terrorist custody, individuals worldwide had been praying for his safety and calling for his freedom along with that of other hostages.

He explained that during his hospital stay in the immediate aftermath of his liberation, he gradually learned about the advocacy efforts undertaken by people in Israel and globally on behalf of himself and fellow hostages. This began with discovering what his family and friends had done, followed by the realization that countless others in Israel and across the world had also participated in the campaign for his release.

He quickly became involved in the cause himself, championing the liberation of all remaining hostages, including Alon Ohel, with whom Sharabi had formed a close bond while imprisoned.

‘Witnessing his release was an incredible sensation. He’s like a son to me,’ Sharabi told Digital.

Sharabi mentioned that he and Ohel have met several times since gaining their freedom and make an effort to communicate daily.

Sharabi shared with Digital details about his post-captivity life. Having been free for almost a year, he expressed gratitude for each moment.

‘Most importantly, I’m alive. Secondly, I’m free, and I’ve come to understand that freedom is invaluable,’ he stated. ‘Each morning when I awaken, I express deep gratitude for what I possess and for my liberty, and I have the ability to decide my actions for the day without seeking anyone’s permission to eat, drink, or speak,’ he shared with Digital. ‘I’m content with my life. The memories of my wife, my daughters, and my brother will remain with me until my final day.’

Sharabi revealed to Digital that during his imprisonment, he had vowed to relocate his family to London where they could lead a tranquil existence. He explained that this decision stemmed from the terror he witnessed in his daughters’ eyes on October 7.

Although his plans to move to London have shifted, Sharabi now pictures himself leading a peaceful existence and concentrating on his personal recovery once the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage still in Gaza, are repatriated to Israel. Nevertheless, Sharabi stated that returning to Kibbutz Be’eri is impossible for him, and he will probably pursue a new beginning slightly further north in central Israel.

‘I cannot return to Be’eri. This is something I must work through internally and with my therapist, naturally. How could I ever enter my home again? For me, residing in Be’eri is simply not viable. Every corner holds reminders of the tragedy,’ Sharabi expressed. ‘I require a new location, a fresh start for my life, so Be’eri is not an option.’

Digital contacted Marles’ office seeking comment.