In brief
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage released after 15 months in captivity, reflects on her traumatic experience and ongoing recovery from injuries sustained during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Despite her struggles, she finds strength in her scars and emphasizes the need for the liberation of all hostages.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage who was released by Hamas after enduring 15 months in captivity, shared her journey of recovery and resilience, emphasizing that her scars symbolize "freedom, hope and strength." The 28-year-old was shot in the hand during the brutal Hamas attack on her home in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the loss of two fingers.For a year and a half, Ms. Damari suffered "intense pain" due to an operation in Gaza, where one of her scars resulted from an "open, festering wound" that struggled to heal under the conditions of her captivity. Approaching her latest treatments, she stated that she has "fully embraced" her pain and injuries, viewing them as a powerful testament to her survival.After being held for 471 days, Ms. Damari was among the first hostages to be released as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. She was captured during an unprecedented attack while in her home at Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza border. During her time in captivity, she received minimal medical care, including only an out-of-date bottle of iodine to treat her wounds.Following her release, Emily underwent complex surgeries at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, which she described as going "much better than expected." She noted improvements in her recovery, with her hand's scar "looking better" and nerve pain subsiding. However, she acknowledged the gradual nature of her healing, realizing her hand would "never fully recover."Reflecting on the dire conditions faced by other hostages, Ms. Damari remarked, "It was shocking but not surprising" to witness the emaciated state of some upon their release. She decried the inhumane environment created by Hamas, calling for the immediate release of remaining hostages.Mandy Damari, Emily’s mother, highlighted the severity of her daughter's condition in Gaza, stating that it was miraculous she averted a life-threatening infection. Looking forward to her recovery, Emily expressed excitement about returning to the UK with her mother and thanked those who supported her in reclaiming her life.British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has invited the mother and daughter duo to Downing Street, where they previously engaged in a meaningful conversation about freedom and resilience. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals and led to a significant military offensive in Gaza, with reports estimating 48,365 fatalities. The first phase of a ceasefire, which began on January 19, allowed the release of some hostages alongside a substantial exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
