A British-Israeli woman, Lianne Sharabi, and her two teenage daughters were tragically killed in their home by Hamas militants in Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel on October 7th. In a heartbreaking account, Gill and Pete Brisley, the parents of Lianne, spoke about their daughter’s devotion to her children and her final moments of trying to protect them.
The Brisleys described Lianne as a “devoted mother” who did everything she could to shield her daughters from harm. They recounted how Lianne was found holding her babies in her arms, as if trying to protect them until the very end. The couple spoke to the BBC just days after the funeral of their daughter and grandchildren, Noiya and Yahel.
According to Mrs. Brisley, Israel was generally a safe and friendly place to raise a family, and Lianne had chosen to move there from Bristol, England, where she grew up. They emphasized that the area where they lived in Israel was considered particularly safe, with excellent schools, nurseries, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
The Brisleys learned about the attack on their daughter’s home when they saw the news on TV. Mr. Brisley immediately tried to contact Lianne but received no response, leading him to fear the worst. Their house was located closest to the fence where the Hamas militants entered, and tragically, everyone on their street was either killed or severely injured.
Mrs. Brisley shared the heart-wrenching discovery that the bodies of Lianne and her two daughters were found by a soldier, huddled together as if seeking safety. While this brought some comfort to the grieving parents, Mrs. Brisley expressed the horrifying images that constantly haunt her thoughts, hoping that their deaths were quick and painless.
Lianne had always been a happy child, according to her mother, and had a deep desire to explore the world. At the age of 19, she moved to Israel from Bristol to work on a kibbutz, immersing herself in the community and culture. She eventually met her husband in Israel, built a life there, and became fluent in Hebrew. Their two daughters, Yahel and Noiya, were described as beautiful and loving grandchildren who brought joy to everyone around them.
Yahel, in particular, had a boundless energy and passion for scuba diving, while Noiya was more reserved but showed great compassion and spent time caring for disabled individuals. Noiya dreamed of pursuing a career in social work. Mrs. Brisley fondly recalled their last family gathering in July, celebrating Yahel’s Bat Mitzvah and enjoying a two-week holiday filled with pool games and laughter.
Due to travel limitations, the Brisleys were unable to attend the funeral in person but watched videos of the service on WhatsApp to say their final goodbyes. The outpouring of support and attendance from hundreds of people at the funeral was a testament to the love and admiration the community held for Lianne and her daughters.
In their grief, the Brisleys admitted feeling numb and acknowledged that they cannot change what has happened. They emphasized the need to find strength and move forward during this difficult time.
