An unforgettable Sabbath unfolded at Highgate United Synagogue in London, where the local community welcomed Emily Damari – an Israeli-British survivor released from Hamas captivity in Gaza – in a deeply moving ceremony attended by numerous community members.
Community leaders had announced beforehand that guests from outside the congregation would be unable to attend due to anticipated overcrowding. Worshippers inside described a festive and powerful atmosphere surpassing even Yom Kippur services. "It felt as though the entire congregation was one extended family celebrating a shared joy," one attendee recounted.
Video: Fans embrace Emily Damari / Credit: X
When Damari entered the synagogue around 10:55 am, the congregation erupted into sustained applause lasting approximately three minutes. "We've never heard applause like this here, not for politicians, celebrities, or even royal family members," one community member remarked.
Emily, a passionate supporter of the London football club Tottenham, was abducted on October 7 by Hamas and taken to Gaza. Throughout her captivity, her mother Mandy spearheaded a determined campaign for her return, while the Highgate community symbolically "adopted" Emily – maintaining an empty seat for her in the synagogue for nearly 500 days. On Saturday morning, that seat was finally occupied by Emily herself.
Rabbi Nicky Liss recited the "Shehecheyanu" blessing, expressing gratitude for reaching this moment, and with a voice trembling with emotion read aloud the names of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza. In his address, he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the campaign for Emily's return, including his wife Shuli and public relations specialist Emily Cohen. He also commended Emily, who had assisted fellow hostages in Gaza and even requested that American hostage Keith Siegel be released instead of her.
Mandy was introduced as "the bravest woman I know," and Rabbi Liss recalled her speech during last Rosh Hashanah, when she spoke through tears of hope – which have now transformed into tears of joy. Following her speech, she received a heartfelt embrace from her daughter Emily, moving the entire congregation to tears.
"Emily's strength, spirit, and inner light continued to shine despite all she endured," Mandy said. She recalled the powerful moment when Emily raised her bandaged hand – missing two fingers – and told her brother over the phone, "I survived." "She found the words to inspire the entire nation when she lit a torch on Israel's 77th Independence Day," Mandy added.
At yesterday's Shabbat at Highgate Shul London, hostage Emily Damari finally had chance to appear at the Shul who'd kept a seat open for her for 500 days. She received 3 minutes of applause. 🤗💜 pic.twitter.com/Cce1tMFuou
— Avalon Jewish (@AvalonJewish1) May 11, 2025
Emily herself expressed gratitude to the community for their unwavering support, urged continued advocacy for the remaining hostages' release, and thanked her brother Sean who stood by their mother throughout the ordeal. Her words were met with another round of heartfelt applause. She revealed that even during her captivity, she recited "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" daily from a small prayer book she had with her – as an expression of gratitude for life itself.
Natalie Smith, co-chair of the community, remarked, "This moment will be recorded in our community's history as a triumph of hope over evil."
Just before concluding the service, Rabbi Liss led the congregation in singing "Adon Olam" with unprecedented fervor, as the Damari family departed the synagogue amid renewed applause and celebration.
Tottenham fans warmly welcomed Emily on Sunday. Damari, who also holds British citizenship, is a supporter of the Spurs – and traveled to London to watch the team's Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Tottenham fans have been actively involved in recent months calling for her release, and even released 3,000 yellow balloons during the match against Arsenal in support of freeing her and the other hostages.
In a post written by Max Radford, one of the leading activists among Tottenham fans for Damari's release, he shared that she received a team scarf and thanked the club and fans for their support. "She can't wait to return to London and watch her team at the home stadium. Additionally, she was very moved to hear about the balloon gesture and that fans placed the symbol for the return of the hostages throughout the stadium," Radford wrote.
Damari, as is known, is also a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv and since returning home has become strongly identified with the team. She has attended several matches of the "Yellows" – and has even participated in ceremonies on the pitch multiple times.
