British-Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Freed After 471 Days in Captivity

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Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman held hostage by Hamas for 471 days, has been released and reunited with her family. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, the 28-year-old expressed her gratitude and joy, stating, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m the happiest in the world.”

Damari, along with two other Israeli hostages, was freed as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The release comes after a long and harrowing ordeal, during which Damari suffered significant injuries, including the loss of two fingers after being shot during her abduction from her home in the Kfar Aza kibbutz on October 7, 2023.

Her mother, Mandy Damari, praised her daughter’s strength and resilience during this trying period. “Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of,” she said, noting that they were grateful for the support from those who campaigned tirelessly for her daughter’s return.

Emily Damari is currently receiving medical attention at Sheba Medical Center, where doctors reported that she and the other released hostages are in stable condition. While overjoyed at Emily’s release, her family highlighted the plight of the remaining 94 hostages still in captivity, emphasizing the need for continued efforts towards their release.

A lawyer representing the Damari family confirmed that Emily is in good spirits, although she will require ongoing medical support for both physical and mental health as she begins her recovery.

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