A recently released hostage, one of the three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas, is now speaking out after enduring nearly 500 days in captivity, expressing that she has "returned to my life."
Emily Damari, 28, took to Instagram to share her joy, stating, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m the happiest in the world just to be."
Damari, who holds dual Israeli-British citizenship, suffered the loss of two fingers during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, as reported by the Associated Press. Following her release from the Gaza Strip, she was reported to be in stable condition.
"Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of," her mother, Mandy Damari, said in a statement released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which has been advocating for the captives’ release.
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Mandy Damari shared her relief, saying, "I am relieved to report that after her release, Emily is doing much better than any of us could ever have anticipated. In Emily’s own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back."
She also highlighted the bittersweet nature of the moment, stating that it was an "incredibly happy moment for our family," but reminded everyone that "94 other hostages still remain."
"The ceasefire must continue and every last hostage must be returned to their families," Mandy added.
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While expressing joy over Emily’s resilience, Mandy Damari emphasized the need for her daughter to take time with her loved ones and medical team as she begins her recovery journey, especially after losing two fingers.
Emily Damari was one of three hostages released by Hamas as part of a cease-fire agreement that also saw Israel releasing 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
The other two Israeli hostages freed were identified as Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24.
