Mandy Damari urges the UK to intensify efforts for the release of her daughter, Emily, still held by Hamas
London – Mandy Damari, the mother of Emily Damari, the only British-Israeli hostage currently held by Hamas, voiced her frustrations at a memorial event marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks. During the event, attended by thousands at Hyde Park, she expressed her belief that her daughter’s situation has been “forgotten” by both the public and the government.
Emily, 28, was abducted from an Israeli kibbutz during the attacks last year and has been held captive in Gaza ever since. Mandy Damari highlighted the emotional toll of her daughter’s captivity, stating, “Since 7 October last year, she has been held hostage… kept in captivity, tortured, isolated, unable to eat, speak or even move without someone else’s permission.”
The event coincided with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s remarks, emphasizing the need for the UK to stand firmly with the Jewish community. While addressing the crowd, Mandy pleaded for increased action from the UK government to secure her daughter’s release, questioning, “Why isn’t the whole world, especially Britain, fighting every moment to secure her release? She’s one of their own.”
Mandy shared that some women and children released in a previous hostage deal had confirmed that Emily was alive at that time and had actively supported her fellow captives. “Every day is living hell not knowing what Emily is going through,” she added, echoing the sentiments of families of other hostages, who have also called on the government to do more.
In response to ongoing concerns, the UK Foreign Office was contacted for comments regarding the status of hostages, which includes not only Emily Damari but also other British relatives of hostages still unaccounted for.
The memorial, organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, saw attendees holding pictures of hostages and chanting “bring them home.” The Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, reassured the crowd of efforts being made to secure the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the conflict continues, with significant casualties reported on both sides since the initial attacks. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, calls for ceasefires and more diplomatic efforts are increasingly urgent.
