Families and supporters of the Israeli hostages gather to demand a deal that will bring back all the hostages held in Gaza, outside a meeting between hostage representatives and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, January 14, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Supporters of the English Premier League soccer teams and north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur put aside their differences on Wednesday night at the north London derby to unite in solidarity with Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual citizen and Tottenham fan who has been held hostage by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip for more than 15 months.
Damari, 28, was kidnapped by Hamas-led terrorists from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7, 2023. Before the Tottenham vs Arsenal soccer match at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, fans of the two clubs gathered outside the stadium for a joint photograph in which they held up posters that had Damari’s name and picture and the message “Bring Them Home Now,” referring to the return of the 98 hostages still held captive in Gaza. The posters also featured an image of a yellow ribbon, which is a symbol that represents a call for the immediate return of all the hostages, and some in the joint photo held yellow balloons.
Videos shared on social media also show some Tottenham Hotspur fans releasing the yellow balloons inside the stadium during the match while chanting, “Emily Damari, she’s one of our own, she’s one of our own, Emily Damari, bring her home.” The match ended with Arsenal beating Tottenham 2-1.
The show of support for Damari displayed by Arsenal and Tottenham supporters was reportedly organized by Stop the Hate UK.
Damari’s mother, Mandy Damari, shared a photo on X of the soccer fans holding up posters with her daughter’s name and picture. “So grateful to all the Arsenal and Spurs fans supporting Emily tonight at the North London Derby,” Mandy captioned the photo. “I know that you don’t agree on very much, which makes it even more special that you have come together to say Bring Her Home. Thank you.”
So grateful to all the Arsenal and Spurs fans supporting Emily tonight at the North London Derby. I know that you don’t agree on very much, which makes it even more special that you have come together to say Bring Her Home. Thank you pic.twitter.com/KzJtqtFWDp
— Mandy Damari (@DamariMandy) January 15, 2025
As part of the ceasefire-hostage deal that Israel and Hamas reached this week, the terrorist organization is supposed to release 33 hostages over the next six weeks, and Emily is reportedly among them.
In a rare show of solidarity, Arsenal and Tottenham soccer fans in London have come together to support the release of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari.
The 26-year-old tourist was kidnapped while traveling in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt and has been held captive for over a month. Her family and friends are desperately pleading for her safe return.
In a joint effort, fans from both rival clubs gathered outside the British embassy in London, waving flags and chanting for Damari’s release. They held signs that read “Free Emily Damari” and “Bring Her Home.”
The display of unity between Arsenal and Tottenham fans has been praised by many, with some saying it is a powerful reminder that football rivalries should not overshadow the importance of human life.
“We may support different teams, but when it comes to matters of life and death, we stand together as one,” said one fan.
Let’s hope that the message reaches those responsible for Damari’s abduction and that she is safely reunited with her loved ones soon. #FreeEmilyDamari.
Tags:
Arsenal, Tottenham, Soccer Fans, London, Support, Release, British-Israeli Hostage, Emily Damari, Unite
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