Freed Hostage Emily Damari Marks One Year Since Her Release

Looking back on the year since her release, Damari said it has been devoted to recovery and rebuilding, describing a gradual return to laughter, love and daily life.

By Shula Rosen

British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari marked the first anniversary of her release from Hamas captivity on Monday, describing her return home after 471 days as the moment she reclaimed her life and renewing her call for the remaining hostages to be freed, The Jewish Chronicle reports.

Damari, 29, was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the October 7 attack and was shot as she was taken, an injury that later led to the amputation of two fingers on her left hand.

The three-finger gesture she began using after her release has since become closely associated with her story of survival. She was kidnapped alongside close friends, twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, who were later released.

In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Damari said January 19, 2026, marked one year since she emerged from captivity, recalling stepping back into freedom wrapped in an Israeli flag.

She described the transition from captivity to release as moving out of darkness and into light, saying the moment she was freed marked the point at which she felt she “came back to life.”

“One year ago, after 471 days in the dark – 471 days of pain, of tunnels, of holding on with everything I had – I came back to life,” she told The Jewish Chronicle. She recalled reuniting with her mother, breathing open air and seeing sunlight without fear, saying those memories remain vivid and emotionally powerful.

Damari also reflected on the physical scars she carries, including the loss of two fingers and injuries to her leg. She said she does not view them simply as wounds, but as symbols of endurance and freedom. “They represent freedom, hope, and unbreakable strength,” she said, adding that she made a conscious decision not to define herself as a victim.

Looking back on the year since her release, Damari said it has been devoted to recovery and rebuilding, describing a gradual return to laughter, love and daily life. She said the release of Gali and Ziv Berman was especially significant, explaining that only once they were free did she feel truly complete.

A devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Damari expressed gratitude to those who advocated publicly for her return, including supporters who displayed signs at matches, attended rallies and vigils, and prayed for her release. She urged continued efforts on behalf of those still being held.

She ended her message with a declaration of resolve and solidarity, saying, “Am Yisrael Chai,” and describing herself as one year free and determined to keep moving forward.