Released Israeli Hostage Speaks Publicly, Expresses Joy at Return After Hamas Captivity

After nearly 500 days in Hamas captivity, one freed Israeli hostage, Emily Damari, has shared her joy at being home, stating on Instagram, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m the happiest in the world just to be.”

The 28-year-old dual Israeli-British citizen, who sustained injuries including the loss of two fingers during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, according to the Associated Press, was reported to be in stable condition following her release from the Gaza Strip.

“Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of,” her mother, Mandy Damari, shared in a statement released by the organization advocating for the hostages’ release.

 

Mandy Damari expressed immense relief, stating, “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.” While celebrating her daughter’s return as an “incredibly happy moment,” she acknowledged the ongoing plight of the remaining 94 hostages, urging the continuation of the ceasefire and the return of all captives to their families.

 

Acknowledging Emily’s injuries, Mandy Damari added, “As wonderful as it is to see Emily’s resilience, these are still early days. As you will have seen yesterday, Emily lost two of the fingers on her left hand. She now needs time with her loved ones and her doctors as she begins her road to recovery.”

Damari was one of three hostages released by Hamas on Sunday as part of a prisoner exchange.

In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.

The other two freed Israeli hostages were identified as Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24.

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