After nearly 500 days of captivity in Gaza, Emily Damari was released by Hamas militants as part of a trade with Israel. Now, she’s fighting for those left behind. Back home in Israel, Ms. Damari returns to the home where her life was taken over on October 7, 2023. Memories of her captors are never far away.
Ms. Damari’s journey began when Hamas gunmen stormed her apartment, killing her dog and snatching her from her bedroom. She was held for 471 days, above and below ground. Released in January 2025, Ms. Damari arrived at a hospital near Tel Aviv wrapped in an Israeli flag. Her resilience was evident as she flashed a “rock on” gesture with her bandaged hand.
However, her ordeal is far from over. Ms. Damari still faces months of rehabilitation and surgery for the wounds she sustained during captivity. She’s learning to adjust to life outside the tunnels, where memories of her captivity are omnipresent.
Ms. Damari befriended another hostage, Romi Gonen, in their shared confinement. The two women remained together until their release, forming a bond that transcended their surroundings. Ms. Damari continues to stay connected with Ms. Gonen, who has become like a sister.
As Ms. Damari navigates her new life, she’s advocating for the freedom of hostages still held captive in Gaza. Her story serves as a symbol of resilience and survival, inspiring many people around the world. Despite facing personal challenges, Ms. Damari remains determined to share her voice and spread awareness about the situation.
Her journey now includes meeting with senior politicians, visiting her grandfather’s grave, and even cheering on soccer fans at Tottenham Hotspur. The experience has given her a new perspective on life, but it also weighs heavily on her mind. As she says, “Emily Damari is not free.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/world/middleeast/emily-damari-hostage-israel.html