Released Gaza hostage Emily Damari, along with bereaved father Oren Smadja, have been chosen as torchbearers for the 2025 Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced on X/Twitter on Sunday.
Lieutenant Colonels Faiz Fares and Hagit Alon Al-Harar were chosen as torchbearers as well, the IDF announced.
British-Israeli Hamas captivity survivor Emily Damari shares a moving message after being chosen to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony. pic.twitter.com/iPlncac3ju
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Regev was handpicked to be in charge of the ceremony for Israel's 77th Independence Day and tasked with choosing the torchbearers.
Emily was kidnapped on October 7 from her home and held hostage in Gaza for 471 days. During this time, she lost two fingers and sustained injuries to her leg after being shot at close range. Despite her recent release from Gaza, she has consistently advocated for the release of the remaining hostages.
"Emily is an extraordinary Israeli heroine who entered the hearts of all of us and became a symbol of inspiration and victory. Her steadfastness in the face of the hardships of captivity and the tremendous resilience she demonstrated upon her return were a moving expression of the strength of the Israeli spirit and the hope that pulsates within it," Regev said.
"Choosing Emily represents the enormous appreciation we have for the heroism of the survivors of captivity and our commitment to the speedy return of all 59 of our brothers and sisters who are still being held in the Gaza Strip."
Oren Smadja, father of Givati patrol fighter Omar, who fell in Gaza, is a former Olympic gold medalist in Judo.
"Oren is an Israeli champion in the deepest sense of the word. The modest child who reached the highest peaks, won the second Olympic medal in the country's history, and connected generations of young people to the values of perseverance, determination, and love of the people and the country," Regev said.
IDF representatives in the ceremony
Commander of the Kfir Brigade's training base, Lieutenant Colonel Faiz Fares, is a member of the Druze community and lives in Khurfish with his wife and two children. "Faiz is an example of a bridge between parts of Israeli Society," the IDF stated.
Head of the Regional and Infrastructure Organization in Northern Command, Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Hagit Alon Elharar is a 48-year-old wife and mother who lives in Moshav Ramot Naftali. The IDF applauded her for "[paving] the way for women in logistical positions in field units in the IDF."
"Hagit and Faiz are human bridges of hope and inspiration who dedicatedly represent all IDF fighters, both regular and reserve, who constitute the protective wall separating the State of Israel from its enemies," Regev said.
"Each of them, in their own way, through their actions and sacrifices, contributes to strengthening the security of Israeli society and the exciting connection between all its parts."
Ben Shapiro, a popular American political commentator, was chosen as a torchbearer as well.