One of three Israeli hostages released by Hamas is speaking after spending nearly 500 days in captivity saying she is “back to my life.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m the happiest in the world,” Emily Damari, 28, also wrote in a post on Instagram.
Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen, lost two of his fingers during a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Associated Press reported, citing officials. His condition was reported to be stable on Sunday after being liberated from the Gaza Strip.
“Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug I’ve been dreaming of,” her mother, Mandy Damri, also said Monday in a statement released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for the hostages’ release.
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners under ceasefire agreement to free hostages
Emily Damri, right, and her mother Mandy are seen together after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP/Israeli Army)
Her mother added, “I am relieved to report that since her release, Emily is doing better than any of us ever imagined.” “In Emily’s own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she’s got her life back.”
Mandy Damri described her daughter’s release as “an incredibly happy moment for our family”, but said “we must also remember that 94 other hostages still remain alive.”
“The ceasefire must continue and every last hostage must be returned to their families,” he said.
Israel, Hamas ceasefire deal could help Gaza militants regroup
Former hostage Emily Damari and her mother Mandy hold a video call with Emily’s brother Tom Damari on Sunday, January 19, after being released from Hamas captivity.
Mandy Damarry also said, “As amazing as it is to see Emily’s resilience, it’s still early days. As you may have seen yesterday, Emily lost two fingers on her left hand.” “Now she needs time with her loved ones and her doctors as she continues her path to recovery.”
Damari was one of three hostages released by Hamas on Sunday under a ceasefire agreement.
In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza. (AP/Israeli Army)
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The other two freed Israeli hostages were identified as Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24.
