Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli dual national, has been released after 471 days in captivity, marking a long-awaited reunion with her family. Damari, who had been held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza since October 2023, was one of the three women released under a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.
A Mother’s Relief and Grief for Others Still Held
Her mother, Mandy Damari, who tirelessly campaigned for her daughter’s release, expressed her relief, stating, “After 471 days, Emily Damari is finally home.” She also took a moment to highlight the continued suffering of other families still waiting for their loved ones to return, emphasising that while Emily’s nightmare is over, many others remain in captivity. Mandy expressed gratitude towards all who supported the effort to bring Emily home.
The Long Ordeal and Trauma of Captivity
Damari’s release came after being kidnapped during a horrific attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 Israelis. Emily Damari was at her home in Kfar Aza when Hamas militants stormed the area, injuring her and killing her dog, Choocha. Mandy Damari lobbied relentlessly, reaching out to both Israeli and British leaders to secure her daughter’s freedom.
Emily is finally back where she belongs—safe in her mother’s arms, still smiling and stronger than ever. 💛 pic.twitter.com/ulGlAbJ17n
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 19, 2025
Emily’s Resilience and Charisma
Emily, known for her sense of humour and spirit, was described by her mother as having a mix of British wit and Israeli “chutzpah.” Mandy has long admired her daughter’s strength, recounting that despite the horrific circumstances, Emily maintained her courage and laughter. She recalled how other freed hostages had praised Emily for helping to keep morale high even in the darkest times.
Football Fans Show Support
Emily Damari was a fan of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, and her name was chanted by Spurs fans during matches. They also raised awareness for her case by distributing flyers with her image and releasing yellow balloons. This strong show of support from the football community highlighted the widespread effort to bring Emily back home safely.
As Emily begins her road to recovery, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his relief, calling her release “wonderful and long-overdue.” He wished her and the other released women the best as they begin their healing process after months of trauma.
Emily Damari’s harrowing journey ended with her return, but her mother continues to hope for the safe return of others still held hostage.
