The story of Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli national, has recently drawn global attention due to her long and traumatic experience as a hostage in Gaza. After enduring 471 days of captivity, Emily was released on Sunday, marking a significant moment in what has been an agonizing chapter not only for her but also for her family and several communities around the world that rallied in support of her safe return.
Emily’s harrowing ordeal began on October 7, 2023, when she was shot in the hand and subsequently abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel, during a violent assault by Hamas. Tragically, during this chaotic event, her beloved dog, Choocha, was also shot and killed. The emotional scar from these initial incidents would haunt both Emily and her family throughout her long captivity.
After months of uncertainty, her release came as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, under which Emily was one of the first three hostages to be freed. Upon her return to Israel, her mother, Mandy Damari, expressed immense gratitude to everyone who supported their fight for Emily’s return. “After 471 days, Emily is finally home,” she exclaimed, underscoring the long struggle and the relentless efforts made by families, friends, and advocates around the world during this dark period.
Mrs. Damari further emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for the release of all hostages still in captivity, asserting that “every last hostage must be released.” Her pleas for humanitarian aid for other hostages left behind reflect a deep compassion grounded in her own painful experiences. “The impossible wait continues for other families,” she poignantly noted, as many remain in limbo.
The emotional toll on Mrs. Damari has been immense, as she spent the last 15 months worrying about the well-being of her daughter. For Shabbat, she lit candles, mourning her daughter’s absence while hoping for her safe return. The picture of Emily with a British flag was a constant reminder of their connection. “This would be the last Shabbat Emily would be held as a hostage,” she prayed, a sentiment echoed by many around the globe who shared Emily’s story.
In an interview prior to Emily’s release, family spokesperson Emily Cohen stated that the wait had been torture, particularly in the last 24 hours leading to the release. Mandy’s determination shone through, as she refused to give up hope despite the pain of uncertainty. Before her release, some of the previously freed hostages mentioned to Mrs. Damari that Emily was in relatively stable condition, albeit suffering from gunshot wounds. Her bravery shone through her dire circumstances; even in the depths of captivity, Emily’s spirit remained unbroken.
The story also reveals the complexities and challenges faced by families of hostages. Mrs. Damari initially trusted governments and negotiators, but as time passed without effective action, her frustration grew. This frustration turned into a public campaign where she addressed the unyielding nature of international efforts to secure her daughter’s release and ensure the safety of hostages.
Emily Damari’s connection to the UK is profound; she was a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan and a regular visitor seeking cherished moments with family and friends there. The emotional implications of her absence are stark—her family not only missed her companionship but also lost moments that can never be reclaimed, including the death of her grandfather.
As the Damari family prepares for Emily’s return, their hearts are a mix of grief for those lost during the conflict and relief for her return. “I love her to the moon and back, she is a special person,” says Mrs. Damari, reflecting the indelible bond they share. In her absence, the family faced heartbreak, but now they cling to hope, eager to heal together. With her homecoming, they wish not just for personal healing but for an end to the suffering of all hostages and a remembrance of those lives tragically lost during these tumultuous times.
