Resilient Survivor: British-Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Shares Her Journey of Recovery

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage freed after 15 months, reflects on her traumatic experiences and the scars that now embody hope after undergoing surgeries for injuries sustained during her captivity. Despite the challenges, she advocates for the release of all remaining hostages and expresses gratitude for support received during her recovery.

Freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, who spent 471 days in captivity, has emerged with a message of hope as she prepares for a series of surgeries aimed at healing her injuries. Captured during Hamas's unprecedented attack on 7 October 2023, the 28-year-old suffered severe wounds, including the loss of two fingers and significant damage to her hand and leg.

During her confinement in Gaza, the conditions were dire; she received minimal medical care, with only an outdated bottle of iodine to treat her wounds. Emily, however, has chosen to embrace her scars, which she sees as a representation of her journey toward freedom and strength. After her release, she sought treatment at Israel's Sheba Medical Center, where she reported that her operations went "much better than expected" and noted improvement in her hand's condition.

Reflecting on the state of other hostages released alongside her, Emily described the horrendous conditions they faced, calling Hamas's actions "hell on Earth." She urged the swift release of other captives still in custody and expressed excitement about reuniting with friends and family once her health allows.

Her mother, Mandy Damari, expressed gratitude for the skill of the medical teams who treated Emily, highlighting the seriousness of her daughter’s injuries. The pair have been acknowledged by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who spoke with Emily during her captivity.

As the events surrounding the October attacks continue to unfold—with over 251 hostages taken and significant casualties on both sides—Emily’s story emerges as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.