The trauma of 9 year old Emily, who was released from Hamas captivity

Kan News | Since being released from Hamas captivity, 9-year-old Emily Hand is trying to adjust to her new life. In a special interview, she and her father, Thomas, talk about their daily struggle with the enduring trauma and the concern for the captives left behind. Article by Tali Moreno

[josievincent]

You found your little daughter Emily who has grown up a lot since then. You are a loving father. Courage to your little family.

[Littleangel_-jpxb]

His story broke my heart when he thought his daughter was dead. I'm thankful to God she was returned alive.

[zvladd]

The most touching for me is that all of the released hostages remain strong during the interviews until they start talking about the others left behind in captivity. That is the moment when they break down and cry.

[Andre]

Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your story. Your pain is our pain, and we pray every day for everyone affected, their families and the community.

[kendonfahr]

I attended one of the marches in London when Tom Hand spoke to the crowd. I've never seen a man so broken. My relief when his daughter came home was palpable. Thank God for small mercies.

[Lanchik]

The sensitivity and insight of this father is astounding

[KathyPrendergast-cuci]

I remember Thomas saying that shortly after she got back, Emily told him that she thought she had been away for nearly a year. That was how long it felt to her, and children don't have the same concept of time that adults do anyway. How can a child process or ever fully recover from something like that? One thing I'm thankful about is that at least nobody physically hurt her - other than not giving her enough food - and that she was there with people who cared about her and looked after her. The thought of a child going through something like that alone is unimaginable.

[Comasbride]

She's such a cute kid. May God protect her for the rest of her life. What a precious little soul.

[MsSalem-qmlp]

One of the most loving fathers i ever seen. Poor baby

[DebraGruber-hkxl]

Beautiful child and a marvelous father . May they recover and succeed at whatever she does all her life.

[vivcambrell]

We tend to forget the terrible toll on the families of the hostages, so well expressed by this dear man. Thank God his little one is home and he is so wise in allowing her to slowly find her way back to feeling secure and happy again. May God bless you both❤️🙏🏼

[notinterested]

Good to see the reunification of two people who should never have been separated.

[shirelsloomi]

Incredible man! Sweet child!
Happy to hear she recovers pretty well!

[RR-yhvr]

Such a resilient child. This story brings tears to my eyes, despite the happiness of her coming home. Its unspeakable what has been done to these innocent people. I pray all these families might have the relief of their loved ones coming home safe. God bless you all.

[daniek]

So glad this girl made home safe. Such a beautiful baby girl. Hope she recovers very well. Dad, stay strong. God bless you and your family. Support from USA 🇺🇸!

[rchli_]

What a precious little girl. I am so glad she is safe and reunited with her loving father. ❤️ BH.

[jodiesawyer]

I find it moving how insightful Emily’s father is into his daughter’s needs. What a fabulous psychiatrist he might have been, with his big heart. God bless them.

[mydailyangel]

If she is worrying about having a shower, if the door is locked, etc-she has PTSD (this is called hypervigilance). She has stopped having dreams-this is a sign of severe depression and shock-I have been through all of this. If he has to be everywhere she goes it will not just "go away in time"-she is practically asking for help. PLEASE get her help, I am just crushed. :(

[kikiriki]

She's so cute and precious. So glad she made it back home safely. I hope she continues to heal and bear witness along with her dear abba.

[joellymantynen]

Amazing father you are!!!
Amazing human being so emotional...
May God Bless you and sweet Emily ❤❤❤