Held Hostage for 471 Days—Her Unbelievable Story of Survival
British-Israeli Hostage Breaks Silence: ‘My Scars Symbolize Freedom and Strength’
Emily Damari’s Journey from Captivity to Recovery
A British-Israeli hostage who was held by Hamas for 15 months has shared her harrowing experience, describing how her scars now represent “freedom, hope, and strength.” Emily Damari, 28, was shot and abducted during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Now back home and undergoing multiple surgeries, she is embracing her recovery with resilience.
Surviving 471 Days in Captivity
Damari was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, near the Gaza border, and spent 471 days as a hostage. During her abduction, she suffered a gunshot wound to her hand, which led to the loss of two fingers, and another wound to her leg. She recalls how an outdated bottle of iodine was the only medical treatment she received while in captivity.
She described the pain as “intense and unbearable” after an operation performed in Gaza left her with an open wound that failed to heal properly. The conditions, she said, were “unimaginable,” as fellow hostages were left emaciated and suffering without adequate medical care.
A Long Road to Recovery
Upon her release as part of a ceasefire deal, Damari was immediately taken to Israel’s Sheba Medical Center for a series of complex surgeries. Doctors have managed to significantly improve her condition, and she expressed relief that the pain from her hand—caused by “nerves being sewn together improperly in Gaza”—has now subsided.
“I fully embrace my scars because they are a symbol of survival,” she said. Despite making progress, Damari acknowledged that her hand would “never fully recover,” though physiotherapy is helping restore some functionality.
A Call to Action: ‘Release the Remaining Hostages’
Damari has become a vocal advocate for those still in captivity, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages. “Hamas has created hell on Earth,” she stated, adding that some captives are in far worse mental and physical condition than she was.
Her mother, Mandy Damari, expressed gratitude that her daughter survived, describing how she had been “sewn up like a pin-cushion in Gaza.” She called it “nothing short of a miracle” that Emily did not develop a life-threatening infection.
A Special Invitation from the UK Prime Minister
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally invited Damari and her mother to Downing Street. Starmer previously spoke with her over the phone, during which she revealed that she had been held in United Nations facilities during her captivity. The UN has since called for an independent investigation into the allegation.
The October 7 Attack: A Devastating Conflict
Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, led to the abduction of 251 people and the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s military response in Gaza has since claimed at least 48,365 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
A ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, led to the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. However, many hostages remain in captivity, fueling ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Gratitude
Damari is optimistic about her future and excited to visit the UK once she fully recovers. “I have so many people to thank for helping me get my life back,” she said. While her physical wounds are healing, her emotional journey is just beginning.
As she moves forward, her message remains clear: “The world cannot forget those still being held. They must be freed.”
