Freed British-Israeli Hostage Shares Journey of Healing and Hope

After being held hostage for 471 days and enduring severe injuries, Emily Damari reflects on her recovery journey, viewing her scars as symbols of hope and resilience. She urges for the immediate release of all remaining captives, as the aftermath of the ongoing conflict claims countless lives.

Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli woman freed after 15 months in captivity, spoke about her journey of recovery following her traumatic experience at the hands of Hamas. During the unprecedented attacks on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel, she suffered severe injuries, losing two fingers and sustaining a leg wound. As she prepares for a series of surgeries, Damari has described her scars as embodiments of "freedom, hope, and strength."

In her captivity within Gaza, Damari faced brutal conditions, experiencing an ongoing "intense pain" due to inadequate medical care—including merely receiving an obsolete iodine bottle for her injuries. Previously imprisoned for 471 days, Damari was one of the first hostages released as part of a ceasefire agreement amid the surge of violence which saw over 1,200 fatalities in Israel and significant casualties in Gaza.

Reflecting on her recent surgeries at Israel's Sheba Medical Center, Damari indicated that the outcomes were better than anticipated and expressed optimism regarding her recovery with the assistance of physiotherapy, despite acknowledging that her hand may never fully heal.

Damari also highlighted the shocking conditions faced by other hostages, describing the "unimaginable" treatment and mentioning the distressing state of some captives' health upon their release. She emphasized the urgent need for the freedom of those still held by Hamas, condemning the group's actions as producing "hell on Earth."

Her mother, Mandy Damari, expressed gratitude for her daughter’s survival amidst potential life-threatening complications following the traumatic surgical procedures performed under dire circumstances in Gaza.

Together, the Damari family looks forward to a future visit to the UK, where they plan to express their gratitude to those who supported them during this harrowing journey. They have also received an invitation to meet with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had previously engaged with Emily over the phone.

As the region continues to reel from conflict, with more than 251 hostages taken and a staggering death toll, Damari's story provides a personal glimpse into the broader narrative of resilience and survival amidst turmoil.