After 471 days, Romi, Doron, and Emili have been freed from Hamas captivity. Their emotions fluctuate from tears to smiles and laughter, struggling to express what they feel. Romi Gonen, 24, Emili Damri, 28, and Doron, 31, still cannot believe their newfound freedom.
These young women are grappling with a reality they never dreamed of. Immediately upon release from Gaza, they met their mothers and underwent initial medical checks at an IDF base near the Gaza border. Subsequently, they were taken to Tel Hashomer hospital in central Israel to reunite with family and receive further treatment.
As the van carrying them arrived, crowds lined the streets outside the hospital, with tears of joy and chants welcoming these brave women.
They were provided with fresh clothes, toiletries, cosmetics, and specially prepared meals. Each has their own room and amenities, receiving ongoing care as needed.
Emili Damri
Social media flooded with images of the three, with Emili Damri's photos particularly heart-wrenching. Showing her hands, everyone noticed her missing two fingers.
Her family recounted how, on October 7, 2023, as a British-Israeli dual citizen, Emili had her hand injured by gunfire during a terrorist attack. She was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Upon her first family encounter, she narrated her ordeal, explaining how gunmen at her home shot her dog. Bending over the wounded pet, she was shot and subsequently taken hostage.
Source: aajtak
According to The Times of Israel, Romi's mother expressed gratitude, saying, "I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emili and never ceased mentioning her name during these terrible times—across Israel, Britain, the United States, and globally."
"Emili's nightmare is over in Gaza, yet so many families still face unimaginable waits. Every last hostage must be freed, and humanitarian aid should reach those still waiting to come home."
Romi Gonen
Upon her release, Romi issued a heartfelt message to the world, "I am Romi, just returned from captivity. Thank you all so much; I don't know what you have done exactly, but you are all amazing. I appreciate and embrace you more than anything. God willing, we will meet soon."
Hamas kept Romi with Doron. According to Channel 12, she told Emili's mother, "You can't understand what your daughter meant to me during this ordeal."
Romi Gonen, 24, was abducted from the Nova Music Festival in southern Israel. Following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, she was kidnapped. Recounting her last phone conversation, her mother Merav shared how Romi hid in the bushes, fearing for her life, ending the call with a plea, "Mom, I've been shot." Her whispered words were overpowered by gunfire.
Doron Steinbrecher
Veterinary nurse, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza as a dual citizen of Romania and Israel. On October 7, 2023, she was in contact with her mother from under her bed, hiding from terrorists.
In a voice message, Doron informed friends of her capture. Relatives queried about her well-being, but Hamas had already taken her hostage. She later appeared in a video with other frail, malnourished captives.
Sunday afternoon saw around 2,000 gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, witnessing the first images of returning captives. Unity symbolized through released yellow balloons tied with compassion.
This ceasefire agreement represents protracted international mediation, intending both Hamas and Israel de-escalate the war originating on October 7, releasing remaining hostages. The first phase ensures 33 hostages are released in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over 42 days.
