Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who spent 471 days as a hostage in Hamas-controlled tunnels beneath Gaza, has married her partner, Danielle Amit, in a ceremony held in Tel Aviv. The 30-year-old former captive tied the knot with the 36-year-old Israeli food influencer in a celebration attended by family, close friends, and fellow former hostages.
Ms. Damari was kidnapped from her kibbutz on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen attacked her community. During the abduction, she sustained serious injuries, including the loss of two fingers and a bullet wound to her leg. For more than a year, she was moved through the militant group’s extensive tunnel network, often confined in cramped conditions alongside up to six other captives. She reportedly endured intense suffering and pain throughout her captivity.
Her release came in a ceasefire agreement in January 2025. Following her liberation, an image of Ms. Damari displaying her wounded hand with defiant resolve went viral worldwide, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience. In the months after her release, she began to rebuild her life and met Ms. Amit, with whom she publicly confirmed a relationship in June 2025.
The wedding festivities commenced with an intimate dinner before the couple exchanged vows beneath a chuppah, a traditional Jewish wedding canopy. Their dog, Mayo, also took part in the ceremony. Among those present were twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, who are close friends of Ms. Damari and also former hostages.
In remarks to attendees, Ms. Damari’s mother, Mandy, who spearheaded an international campaign calling for her daughter’s release, reflected on the journey from captivity to this moment of celebration. She described the occasion as “a celebration of life, of love, of hope,” underscoring the uncertainty that once surrounded her daughter’s future. “For 471 days, she was held in captivity,” Mandy Damari said, “and during those endless days and nights, there were moments when the thought of standing here tonight, seeing my daughter alive, safe, happy, and standing beside the person she loves, would have been impossible to imagine.”
For their wedding, Ms. Amit chose a white lace gown, while Ms. Damari wore an ivory double-breasted suit. The ceremony and the public sharing of their union mark a significant milestone in Ms. Damari’s ongoing recovery from trauma and symbolize a new chapter of hope and renewal in her life.