Hostage Survivor Emily Damari Shares Graphic Photos From Captivity

Hostage survivor Emily Damari has shared photographs, provided to her by the IDF, showing her during medical treatment in a Gaza hospital while she was held captive by Hamas. Damari, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was abducted from her home on Simchat Torah. During the abduction, she was shot in the hand, resulting in the amputation of two fingers.

The newly released footage depicts Damari undergoing surgery during her captivity. She appears to be wearing an "Arabiyya" garment, likely an attempt to conceal her identity. Damari described the harrowing experience, stating, "Three years ago at this time on Simchat Torah, I was deep, deep in the Gaza Strip. I was kidnapped together with the best friend I could have asked for, Gali Berman, who came to be with me during the most frightening moments of my life. In the moments I rediscovered the expression 'fear of death.'"

She recounted being in the Shifa Hospital, held by terrorists, in a "disgusting room full of blood, a body on the floor next to me." A person identifying himself as "Dr. Hamas" approached her with his children and "ten monsters" pointing Kalashnikov rifles at her. Damari expressed gratitude for her survival, calling it a "real miracle," especially given that her leg continued to bleed for four months in Gaza with an open gunshot wound, and stitches meant to be removed after 14 days remained in her hand for 365 days.

Damari thanked God, her family, the security forces, and the Israeli people for their continued efforts to secure her release. She also expressed gratitude to Romi Gonen, a nurse, for her support. Damari concluded by stating her love for the people of Israel and for life, emphasizing her desire to recover and rebuild with them.