Israeli midfielder Dor Peretz made an emotional tribute during a recent match by dedicating his goal to Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who was released after being held hostage for 471 days.
Peretz’s goal came during Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 3-1 victory against the Norwegian soccer club FK Bodø/Glimt on Thursday.
The gesture not only celebrated his personal achievement but also stood as a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity with Damari, who endured unimaginable hardship during her captivity by Hamas.
The midfielder’s post-goal celebration was a poignant moment that quickly went viral on social media. Peretz raised all five of his fingers but kept his middle and ring fingers down—mirroring the hand gesture that has become synonymous with Damari’s release.
The fingers in question were lost by Damari when she was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023.
While being held by Hamas, she was also shot in the hand and sustained serious injuries from shrapnel.
Her ordeal, which lasted more than a year, came to a close on January 21, 2025, when she was released as part of the first phase of a hostage deal brokered between Israel and Hamas.
Peretz’s gesture carried immense significance. It was not just a tribute to Damari’s resilience but also a way to honor her recovery.
Maccabi Tel Aviv reposted the image of Peretz celebrating with the symbolic hand gesture on their official Twitter account, acknowledging the connection between soccer and the broader human struggle for justice and freedom.
Emily Damari’s story touched hearts around the world, and the soccer community rallied around her during her captivity. She has been a passionate fan of Tottenham Hotspur, a team based in North London.
In a heartwarming show of solidarity, Tottenham fans organized support for Damari’s release by releasing yellow balloons in a symbolic act of unity.
A chant in her honor, “She’s one of our own, Emily Damari, bring her home,” became a rallying cry among Spurs supporters, echoing their desire for her safe return.
Damari’s mother, Mandy, expressed her gratitude toward the fans and the Tottenham community. She shared her daughter’s deep emotional reaction to the outpouring of support.
On social media, Mandy posted a heartfelt message: “All the @SpursOfficial fans who released yellow balloons created a ‘She’s one of our own’ chant for her. She is so touched, and we can’t wait to join you again for a match.”
This gesture from Peretz, combined with the solidarity from Tottenham fans, has highlighted how sports can be a powerful vehicle for human connection and the recognition of shared struggles.
As Damari begins her recovery from the trauma of her captivity, the global community continues to show its support through moments like these, which transcend the boundaries of sport and touch on the deeply human need for compassion, remembrance, and justice.