Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, who spent 471 days in captivity in Gaza, has married her influencer girlfriend Danielle Amit in Tel Aviv. The celebration took place on Thursday, marking a joyous milestone for Damari following her release in January 2025.
Damari, 30, met Amit, 36, as she began rebuilding her life after her ordeal. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in June of the previous year and announced their engagement in January, exactly one year after Damari's release.
Damari was kidnapped from her kibbutz on October 7, 2023, suffering gunshot wounds to her fingers and leg. She endured her captivity in Hamas tunnels, often in pain from her injuries and confined in cramped conditions with other hostages.
Her release came as part of a ceasefire deal last year, where she was freed along with 31 other hostages. An image of Damari posing defiantly with her wounded hand gained international attention, becoming a symbol of freedom and courage.
The wedding ceremony included an intimate dinner for close friends and family, followed by the exchange of vows under a chuppah. Their dog, Mayo, was also present. The festivities continued with music, dancing, and celebrations.
Mandy Damari, Emily's mother, spoke at the ceremony, expressing her profound relief and joy. "There are moments in a parent’s life when you look at your child and realise just how far they have travelled," she said. "Because there was a time when I wasn't sure I would ever see Emily again... 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."
Mandy Damari described the wedding as more than just a ceremony, calling it "a celebration of life. Of love. Of hope. And of a future that, for a very long time, I wasn't sure Emily would have."
Danielle Amit, an Israeli food influencer known for her homemade recipes, wore a white lace gown, while Damari chose an ivory double-breasted suit. Both outfits were designed by Israeli fashion designer Oria Azran. Among the guests were several of Damari's fellow former hostages, including twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, who were abducted with her.