‘I just want to hug her’: Family of British-Israeli hostage on news she will be released

Emily has strong connections with the UK. She is a Tottenham Hotspur fan and would often visit Britain to see her relatives, to attend concerts, and go shopping and visit the pub here.

Fans at Spurs’ matches have released yellow balloons and chanted for her release.

She has also missed precious moments. On her release Emily will discover that her British grandfather, who she used to regularly visit, died while she was in captivity.

Mrs Damari said: “My husband has Alzheimer’s, and she always makes sure that I’m okay and he’s okay and she visits him in his care home. She’s the core of our family and the core is missing. It’s like a piece of my heart isn’t there.”

The last time Mandy Damari heard from her daughter was on 7 October.

As their kibbutz was attacked, Emily sent a text message containing a single heart emoji.

Now the Damari family hope their hearts will heal.

They will still mourn for the many neighbours and friends who were murdered and demand all the hostages are released.

But they will hope to do this with Emily back with them, after a brutal separation.

They just want her home.

“I love her to the moon and back, she is a special person,” Mrs Damari said.

“It sounds like a cliche, but she is the best daughter I could possibly ask for.”