Eli Sharabi survived 491 days in Hamas captivity, only to be released and learn that his family had been murdered by his captors. Since then, Sharabi has become a symbol of strength and light for the Jewish people and beyond.
On Dec. 15, Sharabi spread that light in Miami Beach during the American Friends of Magen David Adom Miami Gala held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
More than 500 people gathered to watch Sharabi light the menorah alongside actor Jonah Platt and Ambassador Gilad Erdan. Sharabi and Platt also engaged in a live conversation, which will be made into an episode of Platt’s podcast, “Being Jewish.”
The event was hosted by creator and philanthropist, Valeria Lipovetsky, and co-chaired by Eli and Tami Dadon and Terri and Jeffrey Sonn. Julia and Elie Deshe were honored with the 2025 L’Dor v Dor Lifesaver Award for their generous giving and commitment to the Jewish community. Miami public officials and community leaders were also in attendance, as well as Zuri Siso, Israel’s Consul General in Miami and Shiraz Asor, Miss Israel 2025.