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

Former Gaza hostage Emily Damari married her partner, Israeli food influencer Dani Amit, in a wedding celebration in Tel Aviv on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The ceremony took place amid a mix of joy and emotional reflection, with many guests attending as former hostages who had endured similar experiences. Damari and Amit had announced their engagement in January 2026, just one year after Damari’s release from Hamas captivity. She spent 471 days in detention before being freed. During the wedding, Damari’s mother, Mandy, spoke about the long and difficult journey her daughter had undergone. "For 471 days, she was held in captivity," Mandy said. "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." Mandy expressed deep gratitude for Damari’s return and her ability to begin a new chapter with Amit. "You fought so hard to survive, Emily," she said. "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 wedding drew several other former hostages, including Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Danielle Gilboa, Omer Shem Tov, Keith and Aviva Siegal, and Gali and Ziv Berman. These individuals, like Damari, had survived prolonged periods of captivity and were present to celebrate the union of two people who had both endured unimaginable hardship. Among the attendees was Damari and Amit’s dog, Mayo, who accompanied them throughout the festivities. The wedding venue was carefully chosen with attention to detail, particularly regarding guest attire. Attendees were asked not to wear red, as it is associated with the rival soccer team to Maccabi Tel Aviv, which Damari supports. This gesture reflected the personal significance of the day and the care taken to honor her preferences. Political figures also extended their congratulations. Democrats Party leader Yair Golan posted a message on X/Twitter, expressing his admiration for the couple. "There are moments that remind us exactly why we're here, and your wedding is one such moment," he wrote. "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." The event marked a poignant blend of personal triumph and collective resilience. For Damari, the wedding symbolized not only the start of a new life with Amit but also the culmination of a long and painful journey. Her story, along with those of other former hostages, continues to resonate deeply within Israeli society, serving as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and rebuild. As the couple began their new chapter together, the community gathered to support them, celebrating love, survival, and hope.