Emily Damari, the British-Israeli hostage who recently regained her freedom, expressed gratitude during her first phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Alongside her mother, Mandy Damari, Emily thanked those who campaigned tirelessly for her release after enduring 15 months of captivity under Hamas. Starmer shared his elation over the emotional images of Emily reuniting with her mother, who played a pivotal role throughout the ordeal. The Prime Minister extended an invitation for Emily to visit 10 Downing Street once her recovery is complete.
Emily, now 28, was abducted from her home on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants invaded her kibbutz, Kfar Aza. The attack was brutal, with Emily suffering gunshot wounds to her hand and leg and witnessing the tragic death of her beloved pet dog. On the phone call, Mandy revealed to the Prime Minister how Emily had been held at United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities, where she was reportedly denied any meaningful medical assistance.
"An out-of-date bottle of iodine was all they provided during her time there," Mandy stated, detailing the lack of adequate care Emily received, which was starkly insufficient considering her severe injuries—she lost two fingers on her left hand and had an unhealed gunshot wound on her leg. Both Emily and Mandy took this opportunity to urge Starmer to pressure Hamas and UNRWA to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the remaining 82 hostages still held captive.
The heartbreaking structure of the deal between Israel and Hamas allows for the gradual release of hostages over several months. Many of those still detained are elderly or nursing serious injuries, possibly requiring urgent care—treatment which has been systematically withheld until now.
Mandy's distressing account continued as she shared how Emily appears to be managing psychologically, though she faces significant physical hurdles. "She seems to be doing pretty well psychologically," Mandy shared, indicating the strength her daughter has shown throughout this harrowing experience. Yet, there is clear recognition of the long road to full recovery, considering the injuries inflicted during her captivity.
After making contact with Starmer, Mandy took to social media, posting on X to raise awareness of the dire situation: "Hamas held Emily in UNRWA facilities and denied her access to medical treatment after shooting her twice. It's a miracle she survived, and we need to get aid to remaining hostages now." This urgent appeal reflects the broader sentiment among families of hostages who are still waiting anxiously for news.
Emily has become emblematic of resilience, representing hope for families who have endured similar tragedies. Upon her release, she displayed remarkable defiance, pushing away one of the Hamas militants as she exited the vehicle bringing her to safety. Holding up her hand during her phone call with her brother, she did not shy away from exposing the reality of her ordeal, showing him her severed fingers. Such acts of bravery have only amplified her symbolic status.
The circumstances of Emily's abduction were particularly raw, with the attack on Kfar Aza resulting not only in personal loss but immense community grief. While Emily's mother, Mandy, narrowly escaped the attack by hiding away, she endured weeks of uncertainty. Just days before her daughter's release, Mandy appealed to the heavens, making an emotional plea: "Emily, Lulu, if you can hear me somehow, know this—we all love you to the moon and back. Not a second goes by we’re not thinking of you, praying for you, fighting to bring you home alive." These heartfelt words encapsulated the desperation of families waiting for their loved ones to return home safely.
Now released, Emily Damari faces the challenges of reintegration and recovery, but her fight is far from over. The recognition of her ordeal has sparked conversations about humanitarian access and the responsibilities of international organizations such as the UN. Activists continue to advocate for the ICRC’s intervention, pressing for action on behalf of those still held captive.
The end of Emily's captivity is celebrated, yet the saga continues for the families still seeking clarity and action. Urgent calls echo through the corridors of power, underscoring the overwhelming sentiment of solidarity for the hostages yet to be released.