Emily Damari: Sole British hostage named by Hamas as one of three to be released
Share:
The last remaining British national being held in Gaza has been named by Hamas as one of three hostages set to be freed on Sunday. British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was kidnaped during the October 7 attack and has been a hostage for 470 days. In a speech at Hyde Park in October last year, her mother, Mandy Damari, said Emily was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on the morning of the attack and shot in the hand, “blindfolded and forced into her own car with two other friends”.
Her beloved dog Choocha, who was with her, was killed with a “gunshot to the neck”. Described as “the light and life” of her family and friends, Ms Damari was born and raised in Kibbutz Kfar Aza as the youngest of four siblings. Her family said she has always remained “close to her British roots” and “loves visiting London” with her mother where they often see artists including Ed Sheeran and Adele.
Her mother said: “When she was young, her favourite place was London Zoo … as she got older, she turned into a big foodie, always dragging us to her favourite restaurants. “We’d go shopping in Primark and visit markets for a good bargain.”. An avid Spurs fan, Ms Damari would also attend Tottenham games with her brother “enjoying a pint or two while cheering her head off”.
Her mother said: “For her, that was England and she loved her second home across the sea and always looked forward to coming here.”. On Wednesday, Arsenal and Tottenham fans united in support of Ms Damari at the north London derby, and her mother tweeted her appreciation afterwards, saying: “I know that you don’t agree on very much, which makes it even more special that you have come together to say ‘bring her home’.”.
