January 19, 2025, New York, NY – We are overjoyed by the release of Romi, Doron, and Emily and their safe return to their families in Israel after 471 days in captivity at the hands of the murderous terrorist organization Hamas.
Until the very last moment, there were concerns that Hamas would continue to violate the ceasefire agreement and fail to release the hostages. These concerns were heightened by Hamas’s repeated breaches of the agreement, including its failure to provide Israel with the names of the hostages scheduled for release today until more than 24 hours after the deadline. As of this morning, Israel and the families of the hostages had no confirmation of who would be freed. Hamas only disclosed the names after Israel refused to proceed with the ceasefire’s implementation until this critical information was shared.
Today, Romi, Doron, and Emily—three innocent young women—were finally released after being abducted from Israel and held in captivity by the terrorist organization Hamas in Gaza for 471 days.
We celebrate their return to Israel and pray for the swift release of all hostages still held by the murderous Hamas organization, which abducted innocent civilians, including women, children, babies, the elderly, and men. These hostages are being held in inhumane conditions, deprived of basic humanitarian care, without any oversight or access from international organizations such as the Red Cross.
Romi Gonen (24) was abducted from the NOVA party in Re’im when she was just 23. On October 7th, from 6:30 AM, she was in constant contact with her mother, Meirav, over the phone. At 10:15 AM, she reported that she had been shot. In a chilling recording, gunfire is heard as Meirav reassures her daughter: “Romi, I’m with you, my dear. I’m with you, and everything will be okay. We’ll go to the hospital, and you’ll feel better. You’re not alone, my beautiful girl; I’m with you.” Moments later, the voices of Hamas terrorists shouting in Arabic are heard, and the call disconnects. Tragically, Meirav became a symbol of the struggle to bring the hostages home.
Emily Damari (28) is the only British citizen who was abducted to Gaza. On October 7th, she was taken from her home. Emily and her neighbor, Gal Bereman, who was kidnapped alongside his twin brother Ziv, were hiding in a shelter. Their photo reached Gal’s mother in the evening after they had been abducted. During the attack, Hamas terrorists killed Emily’s dog. Her mother, Mandy, narrowly survived when a bullet fired by the terrorists struck the lock of the door she was hiding behind, jamming it shut and preventing them from entering.
Doron Steinbrecher (31) was abducted from her home on the day of the attack. Her sister, Yamit, recounted how the two were in touch all morning. Initially, Doron messaged her that she was barricading her door with a couch and refrigerator. At around 11:00 AM, she sent her friends a final recording saying, “They’ve captured me.” On the 107th day of her captivity, Hamas released footage of Doron in captivity.
We continue to pray and advocate for the rapid release of all hostages who remain in horrific captivity under inhumane conditions by the Hamas terrorist organization.
