The three hostages released by Hamas have already returned to Israel. At the reception point of Kibbutz-Reim, mothers were waiting for them, and after more than a year, they hugged their daughters. Relatives of Romy Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher did not hide their feelings. The Israel Defense Forces released a video showing Gonen’s father’s emotional reaction as they waited for him to return.
On Sunday afternoon, based on the agreement concluded between Hamas and Israel, the first transfer of hostages took place. Three young women were released: Romy Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.
READ MORE: Romi, Emily and Doron return home
A recording published by Reuters shows the moment they were handed over to Israeli forces.
Three hostages were released by Hamas. The moment of handing them over to the Israeli military is recorded
Emily Damari is ‘safe in her mother’s arms’
Emily Cohen, a representative of Damari’s family, told CNN before the news was shared that “these last few hours have been the most painful time for Mandy (Emily’s mother) and the rest of the family after almost 500 days of endless grief.” He admitted the exchange was “wonderful news for the whole family” but the girl’s mother “will only believe when she sees Emily alive and hugs her like she dreamed of.”
And so it happened. After the 28-year-old returned to Israel, he met his mother. In a photo released by Reuters, the two can be seen talking to their loved ones via video chat. On the other side are the girl’s brother Tom and other family members.
Emily Damari has already met her mother. He connected with other members of the Reuters family via video
Another photo shows the whole woman. He is wearing a green suit and his hands are tied. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, which represents the family, said he was shot in the hand and lost two fingers during his abduction.
Emily Damari and her mother MandyReuters
A similar photo was also published by the Israel Defense Forces. “Emily is finally back where she is – safe in her mother’s arms, still smiling and stronger than ever,” they wrote.
“I want to thank everyone who fought for Emily during this terrible ordeal and never stopped speaking her name. In Israel, the UK, the United States and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home. “, he said in a newspaper. Mandy, Damari’s mother, told CNN.
Three more women and their mothers together
Reuters showed photos of all the evacuees hugging their mothers at the Kibbutz Reim reception center in Israel.
Emily Damari and her mother MandyReuters
Doron Steinbrecher and my mother Simona SteinbrecherReuters
Romy Gonen and his mother Meirav GonenReuters
In another recording released by the army, it can be seen that the mothers of the three hostages in this center are waiting for the recording of the surrender of their daughters on the phone of an Israeli soldier.
Mothers of three hostages watch video of their daughters’ release Reuters
Tears of emotion
The Israel Defense Forces released a clip in which the family of 24-year-old Rami Gonen watches footage of his release. The young woman’s father, Eitan Gonen, threw his clenched fists in the air. After a while, she holds her head and cries.
Eitan Gonen, the father of one of the hostages, reacted to the video of his release with tears.
In another video, it can be seen that other members of this woman’s family gathered in front of the TV and watched the broadcast of her return. You can hear screams, shouts, singing. You see smiles and tears.
Romy Gonen’s relatives watch his release on Reuters TV
Steinbrecher’s family released a statement shared by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. They wrote: “After 471 excruciating days, our beloved Dodo is finally back in our arms. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us and accompanied us on this journey.” It was added that Doron is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Happiness among friends
Another video shows friends of Emily Damari gathered at Ramat Gan Hospital, near Tel Aviv, where she was taken. They shouted, sang and danced holding flags of the state of Israel and a banner with a woman’s photo.
Also read: Displaced Palestinians return. “I came hoping to find my house still standing.”
Emily Damari’s friends gathered outside the hospital where she was taken
Main photo source: Reuters
