Emily Damari is a British-Israeli citizen who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel. She was held captive for 471 days before being released on January 19, 2025, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Her captivity and release became global news, with public campaigns advocating for her freedom and safety. Emily’s family, especially her mother Mandy Damari, played a crucial role in raising awareness about her situation.
In this article, we will explore Emily Damari’s age, family background, the hostage crisis, her release, and the public support she received.
Emily Damari Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Damari |
| Date of Birth | 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 28 years old |
| Nationality | British-Israeli |
| Parents | Mandy Damari (Mother) |
| Place of Birth | Israel |
| Hometown | Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel |
| Incident | Kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 |
| Captivity Duration | 471 days |
| Date of Release | January 19, 2025 |
| Release Agreement | Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas |
Early Life and Family
Emily Damari was born in Israel to a British mother, Mandy Damari, and an Israeli father. She grew up in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a small agricultural community near the Gaza border.
Emily is the youngest of four siblings and has been described as a kind, caring, and compassionate person. She had a close relationship with her father, who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s, and she played a significant role in caring for him.
Hamas Attack and Kidnapping
October 7, 2023 Attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel, infiltrating Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where Emily and her family lived.
During the attack:
- 11 people were killed, and
- 8 individuals, including Emily, were kidnapped.
Emily’s last known message to her family was at 10:00 AM, informing them that terrorists were in the area.
Emily’s Abduction
- Emily was shot in the hand and suffered shrapnel injuries to her leg.
- She was blindfolded and forced into a car before being taken across the border to Gaza.
- Her dog, Choocha, whom she loved dearly, was killed during the attack.
Her friend, Bar Kislev, later revealed that he saw someone driving Emily’s car around 11:00 AM, confirming that she had been taken hostage.
Life in Captivity
Emily was held by Hamas for over 15 months, with little information about her condition.
In November 2024, Dafna Elyakim, a 15-year-old hostage released earlier, reported that she had seen Emily in captivity.
Emily was held alongside other hostages, including:
- Naama Levy
- Romy Gonen
- Agam Berger
- Liri Albag
Despite efforts from her family and international negotiations, Emily remained in Hamas captivity until January 19, 2025.
Public Campaign for Her Release
Her Mother’s Fight for Justice
Emily’s mother, Mandy Damari, became a leading activist, advocating for the release of hostages. She:
- Worked with Israeli and British authorities
- Gained media attention through interviews
- Connected with other families of hostages
Global Support
Emily’s story gained widespread attention, leading to:
- Social media campaigns using the hashtag #BringThemHome
- Football clubs like Tottenham Hotspur chanting her name at matches
- Protests in Israel and the UK, demanding action
Her dual citizenship also prompted the British government to push for her safe return.
Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement
January 19, 2025: Emily’s Release
Emily was among the first three women hostages released by Hamas in a ceasefire agreement.
The released hostages included:
- Emily Damari (28) – British-Israeli citizen, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza
- Romi Gonen (24) – Kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival
- Doron Steinbrecher (31) – Kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza
Exchange Agreement
- Hamas released three hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
- The ceasefire aims to secure the release of 65 more hostages in future negotiations.
Emily’s Return to Israel
- Emily was handed over to the International Red Cross in Gaza.
- She was then transferred to an IDF medical center for a health check-up.
- She reunited with her mother, Mandy, in an emotional moment filled with tears and relief.
Lesser-Known Facts About Emily Damari
- She has dual citizenship (British-Israeli).
- Emily was a caregiver for her father, who has Alzheimer’s.
- She grew up in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, known for its tight-knit community.
- During the Hamas attack, she was shot in the hand and injured by shrapnel.
- Her dog, Choocha, was killed during the attack.
- She was held captive for 471 days before being freed in a ceasefire deal.
- Her mother, Mandy, became a leading advocate for hostage releases.
- Tottenham Hotspur fans in the UK campaigned for her safe return.
- She was part of a hostage negotiation deal between Israel and Hamas.
- Her release marked a major step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
FAQs About Emily Damari
Q: Who is Emily Damari?
A: Emily Damari is a British-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Q: How old is Emily Damari?
A: Emily Damari is 28 years old as of 2025.
Q: When was Emily Damari kidnapped?
A: She was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Q: How long was Emily held hostage?
A: She was in Hamas captivity for 471 days.
Q: When was Emily Damari released?
A: She was released on January 19, 2025, as part of a ceasefire deal.
Q: What happened to Emily’s family?
A: Her mother, Mandy Damari, campaigned for her release. Her father suffers from Alzheimer’s.
Q: What is the significance of Emily’s release?
A: Her release marked the first phase of an agreement to free more hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Conclusion
Emily Damari’s kidnapping, captivity, and eventual release highlight the human impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her story remains a symbol of resilience, family strength, and global solidarity in the face of tragedy.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
