Emily Damari, a 28-year-old Israeli, spent 471 days in Hamas captivity after being kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, massacre. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and ultimate triumph as she now begins her journey of healing in Israel.
Emily recalls one of the most horrifying moments of her captivity—being taken to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. “Hi, I’m Dr. Hamas,” the so-called doctor introduced himself before performing what she describes as a sham operation. She had been severely wounded: her hand shattered, her leg shot when a bullet struck her beloved dog, Chucha, who had been by her side for 11 years. But instead of proper treatment, Emily woke up to find that two of her fingers had been amputated and her leg wound was left nearly open, stitched with only four sutures instead of the 16 required.
Emily was one of 251 Israelis kidnapped by Hamas during the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history. On that fateful morning, Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations infiltrated Israel, murdering 1,163 people and kidnapping civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. Emily was kidnapped from Kfar Aza along with two friends, while her neighbor was brutally killed. She was torn away from her family—her mother, brother, sister-in-law, and nieces—left behind to an uncertain fate.
For nearly a year and a half, Emily endured the horrors of captivity, stripped of basic human rights, medical care, and dignity. But her spirit remained unbroken.
Now back in Israel, Emily has undergone proper medical treatment at Sheba Medical Center. “After 17 months, my moment has come,” she wrote, finally able to replace the horrors of Al-Shifa with the professionalism and care of Israeli doctors. She expressed immense gratitude to the medical staff, including Dr. Amir Arami, Dr. Zvika Steinberger, and Dr. Matan Biran, as well as the dedicated nursing team.
Despite her injuries, Emily refuses to let Hamas define her. “I am at peace with my injury, truly. I know there’s still a recovery ahead, but this time, I am surrounded by the family and friends I love, and that’s what matters.”
Her final words echo the resilience of the Israeli spirit:
“I am proud of my disability, and with it, I will win.”
And win, she shall. 🇮🇱 ✡️
