Emily Damari, a former British-Israeli hostage, has expressed her gratitude and happiness to be in the UK after her release from captivity in Gaza. Damari, who is 28 years old, was held by Hamas for over 15 months following her abduction from her home in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Her release in January marked the end of a long ordeal, and she is now visiting the UK for the first time since regaining her freedom. In an emotional moment outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Damari was surrounded by supporters who had campaigned for her release. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to those who had prayed for her and chanted her name, despite not knowing her personally. "I'm home finally, and with you it's more than a home. It's like a family," she shared with a smile, adding her hope that the Spurs would win their game that day. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with 59 hostages still in captivity, including Damari's friends, Ziv and Gali Berman, who were taken alongside her. Of these hostages, only about 21 are believed to be alive. Damari emphasized the urgency of bringing the remaining hostages home, stating it was not merely a topic for discussion but an immediate necessity. Reflecting on her time in captivity, Damari admitted there were moments when she doubted she would ever return to the UK. Her mother, Mandy, originally from South London, played a crucial role in the campaign for her release. Damari, dressed in a Spurs shirt, shared a heartfelt embrace with her mother, who expressed immense relief and gratitude for her daughter's return, acknowledging the unwavering support they received from the community. The abduction took a severe toll on Damari, who was shot in the leg and hand during the attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Tragically, her dog was killed, and she was forcibly removed from her home's safe room along with the Berman twins. Despite her injuries, which included the loss of two fingers, Damari's resilience has become a symbol of defiance in Israel. Her hand gesture upon release has inspired posters, t-shirts, and memes celebrating her strength. The attack that led to Damari's abduction resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with Gali and Ziv among the 251 hostages taken. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed over 52,780 lives, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Despite the trauma she endured, Damari has yet to discuss the specifics of her captivity. However, during a recent visit to a London synagogue, she revealed that prayer was a daily source of strength, helping her survive the ordeal. Her mother, Mandy, was visibly emotional as she thanked the UK and the British Jewish community for their steadfast support during her daughter's captivity. This visit to the UK also allowed Damari to reunite with her British family, although it was bittersweet due to the passing of her British grandfather while she was held by Hamas. Looking ahead, Damari faces additional surgeries on her leg and hand to address the lingering effects of her injuries. Despite these challenges, she remains resolute in her mission to secure the freedom of her friends and the other hostages. Her determination is fueled by the belief that, having regained her own freedom, her fellow hostages should soon experience the same relief.