Emily Damari, a British woman who was previously held hostage by Hamas, has announced her upcoming book detailing the 471 days she spent in captivity. The book will also cover her journey of recovery post-release. Scheduled for publication around October 7th, 2023, the memoir recounts her abduction alongside her friends from a Kibbutz.
A close friend disclosed that the book will debut in the UK as a tribute to Emily’s British supporters and Tottenham Hotspur fans who advocated for her release during her time in Hamas captivity. Emily, accompanied by her mother Mandy, attended a Spurs game after her release, expressing gratitude to her supporters and emphasizing the significance of the club to her.
The tell-all book, to be released by Little Brown, sheds light on the ordeal faced by Emily, who was forcibly taken from her kibbutz by Hamas gunmen. In a tragic event where Hamas kidnapped 251 individuals and caused casualties, including British nationals, Emily and two other Israelis were released on January 19, 2025.
Emily’s defiant gesture of raising a V-sign with her remaining fingers, symbolizing resilience after a hand injury inflicted by Hamas, became a symbol of defiance in Israel. Possessing joint British-Israeli citizenship, Emily resides in Israel and expressed relief upon learning of the death of her kidnapper, Muhammad Nasr Ali Quneita, in a military operation.
Reflecting on Quneita’s demise, Emily emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the traumatic incidents she endured. Her story is a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit in the face of adversity.