Former Israeli Hostage Emily Damari Marries Partner in Moving Ceremony
Emily Damari has become a symbol of resilience since surviving more than a year in Hamas captivity. Following her return home from captivity, her life began to take a joyful direction. She found love and started building a new life with her partner Danielle Amit.
The two took their love to the next chapter with a wedding in Tel Aviv, i24NEWS reported. They were surrounded by family, friends, and other former hostages who gathered to celebrate the occasion.
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A New Chapter Filled With Love
After getting engaged in January, Damari and Amit got married in Tel Aviv, surrounded by loved ones. The brides were seen beaming in their wedding attire, with Amit wearing a lace gown and Damari dressed in an ivory double-breasted suit. Both outfits were custom-made by Israeli fashion designer Oria Azran.
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The celebration started with family and close friends gathering for an intimate dinner. The brides later exchanged vows beneath a chuppah, with their dog, Mayo, joining the immediate family for the ceremony. The night continued with music and dancing as guests celebrated the newlyweds.
“דניאל התאהבה באישה”: דניאל עמית ואמילי דמארי רקדו סלואו בחתונה לצלילי “אושר אקספרס” של שלמה ארצי 🥰
(צילום: תומר טליאס) pic.twitter.com/TxQjRy1mkR
— הקופסה (@Hakufsah) August 28, 2026
Damari’s mother, Mandy, described the wedding as a hopeful celebration of the life and future she once feared her daughter might not have. “For 471 days, she was held in captivity,” she 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.”
Former Hostages Celebrate the Newlyweds
Among those celebrating the couple were fellow former hostages and close friends Agam Berger, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Danielle Gilboa, Omer Shem Tov, Keith and Aviva Siegal, and Gali and Ziv Berman, The Times of Israel reported.
Damari shared a photo from her wedding in an Instagram story and wrote, “From behind I see [former hostages] Agam Berger and Liri Albag,” adding that words couldn’t describe what she was feeling.
The wedding also held special significance in light of what Damari went through while she was a hostage. While in Hamas captivity, she kept her sexual orientation hidden from her captors, knowing they would not accept it.
For Damari, the ceremony reflects a bright future. Since her release, she has often spoken about her hope to be a good mother and to create a joyful and meaningful life with Amit.
