**British-Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Shares Her Journey of Healing After 15 Months of Captivity**

Following a traumatic ordeal that left her physically scarred, Emily Damari highlights her journey of recovery, resilience, and advocacy for remaining hostages.

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli, has emerged from 15 months of captivity at the hands of Hamas, reflecting on her traumatic experiences that left her with significant physical scars. Released after being held for 471 days in Gaza, the 28-year-old took to social media to express that her scars symbolize "freedom, hope, and strength" as she begins a series of medical procedures to address her injuries.

During the October 7, 2023, attack, Damari was shot while being abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, leading to the loss of two fingers and prolonged suffering. She recounted that the painful conditions during her captivity included receiving only outdated medical supplies—a heartbreaking reality for many hostages.

“The operation in Gaza left me in intense pain for a year and a half,” Damari shared, describing how an open wound failed to heal due to inadequate care. With a notable outlook, she has chosen to embrace her injuries and the pain they represent, viewing it as part of her fight for survival.

Now in Israel’s Sheba Medical Center for treatment, Damari has expressed relief that her surgical outcomes have exceeded her expectations, although she recognizes that full recovery remains unattainable. Assisted by physiotherapy, she is hopeful about regaining function in her hand, but acknowledges, “My hand will never fully recover.”

Despite her healing journey, she also expressed deep concern for her fellow hostages, remarking on their physical conditions and calling for the immediate release of those still in captivity. “Hamas has created hell on Earth,” she stated, emphasizing that her suffering pales compared to what others might be enduring.

Emily's mother, Mandy Damari, who witnessed her daughter’s horrifying scars, described the aftermath of her daughter's captivity as miraculous, given the medical negligence she suffered. The mother-daughter duo looks forward to visiting the UK, where they have been invited by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has previously communicated with Emily during her captivity.

Their story emerges against the backdrop of escalating violence that followed Hamas’s attack, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals and resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With the first phase of a ceasefire now underway, hopes are pinned not only on the recovery of released hostages like Emily but also on the eventual resolution of the ongoing conflict.