Former hostage Eli Sharabi will light Independence Day torch  

Captivity survivor Eli Sharabi was chosen to carry a torch on Mount Herzl on Independence Day. This was announced today (Monday) by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who is in charge of the events of the 77th anniversary of the State of Israel.

Regev said: "I was deeply moved to inform the survivor of the captivity, Eli Sharabi, of the selection of him as a torchbearer on the upcoming Independence Day. Eli is an Israeli hero who has entered the heart of the entire country. Eli survived the difficult conditions, showed leadership and mental strength, encouraged the spirits (of the hostages with whom he was held captive) and helped them overcome the unbearable coping with the reality in captivity."

According to the Minister of Transportation, "After his release, even after receiving the difficult news of the murder of his wife, daughters and brothers, he continued to act heroically and modestly for the return of all the abductees and for the sake of strengthening the spirit and connection between all parts of the nation."

"The election of Ellie represents our longing and our tremendous commitment to work tirelessly for the return of the 59 abducted men and women, living and fallen as brothers. I told Eli in the conversation that we are committed to bringing everyone back and we are committed to strengthening mutual responsibility and Israeli togetherness, which gives hope to many people", she concluded.