Former Gaza hostage Emily Damari marries partner Dani Amit in Tel Aviv

Former Gaza hostage Emily Damari celebrated a joyous new chapter as she married Israeli food influencer Danielle “Dani” Amit in Tel Aviv on Thursday.

The wedding marked a deeply personal triumph for Damari, who endured 471 days in Hamas captivity before her release. Her mother, Mandy, shared heartfelt sentiments during the celebration, expressing profound gratitude for her daughter's survival and safe return.

“

For 471 days, she was held in captivity. 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.

"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," Mandy said. She emphasized Damari's fight for survival and her resilience in returning to her loved ones.

“

You fought so hard to survive, Emily. You fought for your life when you were in captivity, and you fought your way back to us. And today, seeing you here, alive, happy, and beginning this new chapter is something I will never stop being grateful for.

The celebration was attended by many fellow former hostages, including Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Danielle Gilboa, Omer Shem Tov, Keith and Aviva Siegal, and Gali and Ziv Berman. Their presence underscored a shared experience and mutual support.

Democrats Party leader Yair Golan extended congratulations via X/Twitter, calling the wedding a "moment that reminds us exactly why we're here." He added, "You've chosen each other, you've chosen a shared future, and there's nothing more heart-expanding than that."

“

There are moments that remind us exactly why we're here, and your wedding is one such moment. You've chosen each other, you've chosen a shared future, and there's nothing more heart-expanding than that. Keep holding hands, supporting one another, and building a life of truth, of freedom, and of plenty of laughter.