Emily Tehila Damari is a dual British-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Shortly after Hamas launched its brutal attack that morning, Emily, then 27, was afraid to be alone in her apartment and called her close friend, Gali Berman, who came to be with her. When Hamas terrorists broke in to the apartment, Emily was shot in the leg and left hand — losing two fingers — and her beloved dog, Choocha, was killed in front of her. Emily, Gali and Gali’s twin brother, Ziv, were all abducted and taken in Emily's car to Gaza. She was held in captivity for 471 days before being released in January 2025; the Berman brothers were released this past October as part of the ceasfire agreement.
Emily is the youngest of four siblings and the only daughter in her family. She was born and raised in Kfar Aza and worked for the Israeli police prior to her abduction. During her captivity, Emily was held in harsh conditions, including time in underground tunnels, and was moved between various Hamas and Gazan homes. Her mother, Mandy, led a tireless international campaign for her daughter’s release, especially in the UK.
On January 19, 2025, Emily was in the first group of hostages released in a negotiated deal, alongside Romi Gonen (23, abducted from the Tribe of Nova Music Festival) and Doron Steinbrecher (30, also from Kfar Aza). Emily was flown to Sheba Medical Center, where she displayed severe injuries. But she raised her bandaged hand in defiance, becoming a symbol of bravery and courage throughout the world.
