Updated 09.51 | Published 09.35
Save the article
Her father thought she was dead.
Now Emily, 9, has been reunited with her family after being held hostage by Hamas.
– We cannot find words to describe our feelings after 50 challenging and complicated days, says the father Thomas Hand to CBS News.
For seven weeks the uncertainty has been total. Now the Irish family is reunited.
– Emily has come back, says the father Thomas Hand in a statement CBS News.
Emily, 9, was one of those who got to see her family again on Saturday after weeks of captivity in Gaza. She was 8 years old when they were last seen, and turned 9 during the time in captivity.
– We are overjoyed to be able to hug Emily again, but at the same time we remember all the other hostages who have not been allowed to come home yet, says the father.
The journey here has not been easy. The family thought for a long time that they would never see her again.
full screen
Next
Emily, 9.
1 / 2
Thought she was dead
On the night of October 7 this year, daughter Emily slept with her friend Raya Rotem and her mother in the kibbutz near the Gaza border.
During the morning, 70 Hamas soldiers drove into the kibbutz in cars and on motorcycles. At least 130 people were killed in the attack. The others were captured and taken to Gaza.
Her father was first told that his daughter Emily was dead. But the more time passed, the more evidence that she was alive and being held hostage in Gaza.
Emily’s half-sister Natalie, 26, told then in an interview with the Times of Israel:
– On October 31, they told us that it was highly likely that she had been abducted.
In a television clip, she turned directly to her little sister and said:
– I want you to know that we are doing everything to get you home. We know you’re being held hostage. We love you so much and miss you.
Now they return together
On Saturday, Emily was one of those who were released from the hostages.
Thomas Hand tells us that he has fought and pushed for it to happen.
“We appreciate the unwavering support as we continue our efforts to allow everyone to return safely,” he told CBS News.