British-Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Speaks Out Post-Release from Gaza Captivity

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman freed after 471 days of captivity, recounts her emotional return to life and appreciates the support from her family and friends. The recent hostage exchange highlights ongoing global concern for the remaining hostages still held.

 

In her first remarks after a prolonged period of captivity, freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari described her release as a moment where she felt she had "come back to life." The 28-year-old was taken hostage from her home in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and endured a harrowing 471 days before being released as part of a long-sought ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. She was among the initial three hostages freed in this recent exchange.

Emily's emotional return was marked by a heartfelt post on Instagram where she joyfully expressed love and gratitude to God, her family, and closest friends. Emphasizing her resilience, she mentioned that witnessing reactions to her release deeply affected her spirit. Notably, she displayed a hand emoji indicating the loss of two fingers due to a gunshot wound sustained during her capture.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, her release coincided with the liberation of 90 Palestinian prisoners. A total of 33 hostages are expected to be freed in subsequent exchanges, with an anticipated 1,900 Palestinians released in return.

Emily's mother, Mandy, who tirelessly campaigned for her daughter's safe return, expressed relief and happiness upon reuniting with Emily. She conveyed her gratitude for the extensive support from the public, emphasizing that while the world witnessed her daughter's robust spirit, the journey ahead requires time for recovery.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the release of the three hostages as "wonderful and long overdue." Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed emotional joy over Emily's words, reflecting upon the continued plight of those still held captive, including British nationals.

Lawyer Adam Rose, representing families of hostages, stated that while Emily radiated joy, the release also heightened the anxieties of other families awaiting news of their loved ones. Among those still missing are British-Israeli Eli Sharabi, whose two daughters and wife were tragically lost during the October attacks, as well as the fate of 84-year-old Oded Lifschitz, a relative connected to the ongoing ordeal.

Echoing a sentiment shared by many families caught in the turmoil, Sharone Lifschitz, whose mother was previously released, expressed a mix of joy and sorrow, eagerly awaiting updates on her father while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for families still in limbo. The situation continues to unfold as tensions persist in the region, heightening concerns for those still held in captivity.