Full Breakdown
Former Hostages Reflect on Captivity and Yahya Sinwar's Death
1/14/2026, 12:57:21 PM
Captivity Experiences of Emily Damari and Romi Gonen
Former Hamas hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen shared their harrowing experiences during their 471 days of captivity in Gaza, including their reactions to the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. In a recent interview on Army Radio's Galgalatz, the women recounted how they learned of Sinwar's demise while being held by their captors. They saw his image on television and questioned a terrorist about the news. The captor initially claimed, “Your army killed 20 children,” but when confronted with the image of Sinwar, he dismissed it, stating, “No, no, it's not Sinwar!” Eventually, the captors acknowledged Sinwar's death, using a phrase of condolence, which led the women to privately conclude that he was indeed dead.
The Impact of Sinwar's Death
The women described their mixed emotions upon hearing the news. Damari recalled a moment of dark humor amidst the tension, imagining how a squad commander might boast about the act, saying, “I killed the rat.” This incident occurred after Israeli forces killed Sinwar during a firefight in Rafah on October 2024, a significant event given his role as the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks.
Emotional Toll and Survival Strategies
Throughout their captivity, Damari and Gonen relied on each other for support. They sang songs to cope with their situation, including "You Have Me" by Moshe Peretz, which they learned partially in Arabic. Damari noted that they had to whisper the lyrics due to the restrictions imposed on them as women. The emotional toll of their captivity was profound; Damari revealed that she had considered suicide due to the mistreatment they endured, leading to a suicide pact with Gonen.
Listening to Victim Names
During their captivity, Damari became fixated on listening to broadcasts that named the victims of the October 7 massacre. She recorded the names of 44 victims from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, reflecting a deep need to understand the impact of the violence on her community. Gonen expressed a similar desire to learn about her friends who attended the Nova music festival, emphasizing the personal devastation they both felt.
Official Statements & Responses
In their interviews, both women have highlighted the psychological and physical abuse they suffered at the hands of their captors. They have shared their stories in various media outlets, including Channel 12's "Uvda," where Gonen detailed the sexual abuse she experienced. Their narratives aim to shed light on the brutality of their captivity and the broader implications of Hamas's actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We saw Sinwar on TV, in the famous picture of his, with his nice teeth,” — Emily Damari, Former Hostage
- “They were the worst people – the worst family,” — Emily Damari, Former Hostage
- “We had to whisper it,” — Emily Damari, Former Hostage
What's Next
As Damari and Gonen continue to share their experiences, their stories may contribute to ongoing discussions about the treatment of hostages and the psychological effects of captivity. Their accounts serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those who endure it.
