Emily Damari, who was recently released from Gaza, made a request to her captors to release her neighbor Keith Siegel instead. Damari and Siegel were both taken captive by Hamas terrorists from Kfar Aza, a kibbutz in southern Israel where they lived. Damari, 28, asked for Siegel’s release as she is the same age as one of his children. The request was denied as part of a scheduled release of 33 hostages, with women being released first followed by older and sick men like Siegel.
The report indicates that Siegel is still alive in Gaza, as evidenced by hostages being kept together and his appearance in a hostage video last April. Damari, who returned with an injured hand resembling the “rock on” emoji, has become a symbol in Israel since her release. Siegel’s daughter Shir welcomed Damari back, expressing her gratitude for her safe return.
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