British-Israeli Hostage Speaks Out About Her Journey to Recovery

Emily Damari, who spent 15 months as a hostage under Hamas, reflected on her resilience and recovery as she faced surgeries for injuries sustained during her captivity. Damari expressed her hope for the future while also emphasizing the dire conditions faced by fellow hostages.

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli national released from Hamas captivity after a grueling 15 months, is sharing her story of pain, resilience, and hope as she recuperates from serious injuries. At just 28 years old, she lost two fingers after being shot during the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Now, as she faces a series of surgeries, she views her scars not as marks of suffering but as symbols of "freedom, hope, and strength."

Emily was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza border at the onset of the attack. During her long captivity, she endured significant medical neglect, receiving only an expired bottle of iodine to treat her wounds. Reflecting on her experience, she revealed the excruciating pain she felt from an untreated hand injury that left her scarred by an "open, festering wound."

In her recovery journey, Emily recently underwent complex surgeries at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, overcoming what she initially anticipated would be a challenging process. The operations exceeded her expectations and have resulted in noticeable improvements, particularly in the condition of her hand.

“I’ve fully embraced the pain because it symbolizes the fight for freedom,” she expressed, looking towards a future where she hopes to regain more function in her hand with the aid of physiotherapy. However, she acknowledged the long road ahead, knowing her hand may never completely heal.

Witnessing the state of other hostages upon their release deeply affected Emily. She described the conditions in which they were held as "unimaginable," with some appearing emaciated. She is urging for the immediate release of all remaining hostages, reaffirming that “Hamas has created hell on Earth.”

Supporting her during this challenging time, Emily's mother, Mandy, highlighted the miraculous nature of her daughter’s survival, given the lack of proper medical treatment. “She was sewn up like a pin-cushion,” said Mandy, noting the severe risk her daughter faced of developing life-threatening infections.

Despite these adversities, Emily expressed excitement about visiting the UK with her mother, hoping to meet and thank those who supported her during her ordeal. The pair has also received an invitation from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to visit Downing Street, which Emily considers a chance to raise awareness about the plight of all hostages.

As of now, 251 individuals were abducted during the Hamas attack, with a grim toll of over 48,000 lives lost in the ensuing conflict. The situation continues to evolve, with hopes for peace and the safe release of all hostages still hanging in the balance.