Two years after being abducted by Hamas gunmen, young Emily Hand, now ten, has shown remarkable progress. Despite the trauma, Emily is thriving in school and has embraced activities like surfing and skydiving.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Emily’s father, Thomas, shared that while Emily has made significant strides, she still carries emotional scars from her harrowing experience. Thomas plans to visit the gravesite of their dear friend, Lianne Sharabi, who tragically lost her life on October 7th.
Initially reluctant to be apart from her father or attend school, Emily underwent therapy to help her regain a sense of control. Riding horses and ponies proved beneficial, as experts believed it would help her overcome feelings of helplessness. Recently, Emily has even gone skydiving and learned to surf.
Despite her progress, Emily still exhibits signs of trauma, seeking comfort in her father’s presence at night and feeling uneasy as darkness falls. Thomas remains dedicated to supporting Emily through her healing journey and ensuring her safety.
Having spent 49 days in captivity in Gaza, Emily was eventually reunited with Thomas, a Londoner originally from Dublin who had relocated to Israel. While Emily does not interact with other former hostages, she shares a deep bond with Noa Argamani, another survivor of a kidnapping incident in Gaza.
Thomas reflects on the challenges they faced and the losses they endured, including the tragic death of Narkiss, whom Emily considered a mother figure. Despite the hardships, Thomas remains hopeful for the future, expressing his belief in Emily’s resilience and determination.
As they commemorate the past and honor their lost friends, Thomas looks forward to a brighter future, contemplating a return to their kibbutz with Emily and their cherished memories. The journey ahead remains challenging, but Thomas remains steadfast in his commitment to Emily’s well-being and recovery.