Emily Damari, released after 15 months of captivity, has expressed that her scars symbolize "freedom, hope, and strength" as she navigates complex surgeries. After surviving the traumatic events of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, Damari endured significant physical pain and loss, yet she remains optimistic about her future.
**British-Israeli Hostage Shares Journey of Resilience After Release from Hamas**
**British-Israeli Hostage Shares Journey of Resilience After Release from Hamas**
A British-Israeli hostage, held for over a year and a half, reveals the meaning behind her scars as she begins recovery from severe injuries.
Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli woman, has bravely shared her story of survival and resilience after being released from over a year of confinement with Hamas. A victim of the 7 October 2023 attacks, she lost two fingers when shot during her abduction from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Damari, who spent 471 days in captivity, has undergone multiple surgeries at Israel's Sheba Medical Center to treat her injuries.
Reflecting on her experiences, she conveyed that her scars are a testament to her journey, embodying freedom and hope. Damari described the medical care she received in Gaza as deeply inadequate, often managing her injuries with little more than outdated treatments while enduring excruciating pain from an untreated wound.
Following her release as part of a ceasefire agreement, she stated that surgeries in Israel exceeded her expectations. "The pain from the nerves being sewn together has finally subsided," she remarked, expressing hope for improved hand function through physiotherapy, though she acknowledges that full recovery is unlikely.
Damari, who witnessed severe conditions among fellow hostages, urged for the release of remaining captives, calling attention to the horrifying environment within Hamas prisons. "Hamas has created hell on Earth," she noted, sharing her mother Mandy's relief about her daughter's survival against all odds.
Excited about the prospect of visiting the UK with her mother, Damari emphasizes her gratitude towards everyone who supported her. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also expressed his willingness to meet her. Despite the grim realities faced during her captivity, Damari's hopeful spirit shines through as she looks forward to healing and reconnecting with her life and loved ones.
Reflecting on her experiences, she conveyed that her scars are a testament to her journey, embodying freedom and hope. Damari described the medical care she received in Gaza as deeply inadequate, often managing her injuries with little more than outdated treatments while enduring excruciating pain from an untreated wound.
Following her release as part of a ceasefire agreement, she stated that surgeries in Israel exceeded her expectations. "The pain from the nerves being sewn together has finally subsided," she remarked, expressing hope for improved hand function through physiotherapy, though she acknowledges that full recovery is unlikely.
Damari, who witnessed severe conditions among fellow hostages, urged for the release of remaining captives, calling attention to the horrifying environment within Hamas prisons. "Hamas has created hell on Earth," she noted, sharing her mother Mandy's relief about her daughter's survival against all odds.
Excited about the prospect of visiting the UK with her mother, Damari emphasizes her gratitude towards everyone who supported her. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also expressed his willingness to meet her. Despite the grim realities faced during her captivity, Damari's hopeful spirit shines through as she looks forward to healing and reconnecting with her life and loved ones.
