Market Data
A Family’s Agony and Hope: The Brisley’s Journey Through Loss and Liberation
The Brisley family of South Wales has endured unimaginable suffering since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a devastating attack on Israel. On that fateful day, their daughter, Lianne Sharabi, and her teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel, were tragically killed. Their son-in-law, Eli Sharabi, was taken hostage, along with over 200 others, and dragged to Gaza. For nearly 500 days, the family held onto hope, unsure of Eli’s fate. Their only solace was a teddy bear that once belonged to Lianne—a cherished memento that symbolized their enduring connection to her and the memories they shared as a family.
Pete Brisley, Lianne’s father, recounted how the family found the teddy bear during a visit to Lianne’s home in Kibbutz Be’eri, a place left in shambles by the attack. The house was riddled with bullet holes and covered in filth, but amid the chaos, the bear stood as a poignant reminder of happier times. “We tidied up the house and the garden, hoping that if Eli ever returned, he would find some sense of normalcy,” Pete explained. This act of faith was a testament to their resilience, even as they heard nothing about Eli’s condition or whereabouts for months.
Then, unexpectedly, on Friday, the Brisleys received word that Eli would be one of three hostages released the following day. Saturday morning arrived, and the family gathered around the television, their hearts heavy with anticipation. As they watched Eli walk to freedom, a mix of emotions flooded their home. Relief washed over them as they saw him alive, but horror followed as they took in his frail, gaunt appearance. The robust, vibrant man they remembered was gone, replaced by a shadow of his former self. “He looks as though he’s been to Belsen,” Pete said, drawing a haunting comparison to the World War II concentration camp.
For Gillian Brisley, Lianne’s mother, the moment was deeply bittersweet. Seeing Eli’s release brought relief, but it also unearthed the grief they had suppressed while focusing on securing his freedom. “The emotion of seeing him also brought the grief of losing our girls right up to our throats,” she admitted. The family wept—not just for Eli’s suffering but for the loss of Lianne, Noiya, Yahel, and Yossi, Eli’s brother, who was also killed during the attack. Their tears were a mixture of sorrow, relief, and longing for the loved ones they would never see again.
The teddy bear, now a lifeline for the family, holds a special significance. It is more than just a stuffed animal; it is a tangible connection to Lianne, a way for Gillian to feel close to her daughter. Stephen Brisley, Lianne’s brother, shared how the bear had been a constant presence in their childhood. “When they were naughty, her brothers would hide the bear, or stick it in a drawer with only its toes dangling out,” he recalled with a smile. It had been a beloved companion, a participant in tea parties and pretend rock concerts. Now, it serves as a symbol of comfort, a way for Gillian to speak to Lianne, finding solace in the belief that she is still with them.
As the Brisleys look to the future, they are grappling with the aftermath of Eli’s release. They are deeply concerned about his well-being, knowing that he was only told of his family’s death upon his return. The pain of losing Lianne, Noiya, and Yahel is fresh, and the wounds of war are far from healed. Yet, even in the midst of such heartbreak, the Brisleys are finding strength in the memories they shared and the love that binds them together. The teddy bear, now a cherished artifact of their history, reminds them of the joy Lianne brought into their lives and the enduring power of family bonds.
In the end, the Brisleys’ story is one of resilience, love, and the human spirit’s ability to endure even the darkest of times. While their grief is profound, so too is their hope for healing and the belief that, one day, they will find peace. For now, they hold onto the memories, the teddy bear, and the fragile but unbreakable threads that tie them to the past and to each other.
