Tearful videos released by the Prime Minister’s Office show the emotional moments when three Israeli hostages—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—reunited with their mothers after 471 days in Hamas captivity. The reunions took place at an IDF facility near the Gaza border following their release as part of a ceasefire deal.
In the videos, the hostages are escorted by mostly female IDF troops to meet their mothers. Gonen is seen running into her mother Merav’s arms, followed by a joyful video call with her father, where she exclaimed, “Dad, I came back alive!”
Damari, wearing a bright green tracksuit, is shown greeting IDF officers before embracing her mother, Mandy. She later joyfully told her brothers on a video call, “I survived!” while waving her bandaged hand.
Steinbrecher, still dressed in bright pink from her Hamas captors, embraced her mother, Simona, who reassured her, “My beautiful girl, you’re with me, I’ll keep you safe.” The videos capture the heartfelt relief and joy of the families after the long and harrowing ordeal.
