How the IDF Prepared for Romi, Emily and Doron’s Return Home

On Sunday (19.01.25),  Romi Gonen (24), Doron Steinbrecher (31), and Emily Damari (28), returned home and reunited with their families after 471 days in Hamas’ brutal captivity. As we approach the second week of hostage releases in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, I would like to give you all some background on how the IDF prepares for such complex and sensitive missions. 

 The IDF, the Manpower Directorate and the Medical Corps in coordination with the Israeli Health Ministry, additional government ministries and security authorities, came together, shoulder to shoulder, in preparation to receive the released hostages with optimal and professional care and to provide them with all the necessary support they needed.

There were many moving pieces in order to conduct this moral mission - as they say if a single piece of the puzzle is missing the puzzle will not be complete.

To get a little bit more technical, as part of the preparations, the IDF established and equipped several locations for the initial reception of the released hostages with the required medical provisions and support.

The initial reception points is also where Romi, Doron and Emily were reunited with their mother.

Their faces and the pictures of their reunion is exactly what we are fighting for.

Following this, the released hostages were transferred to predetermined hospitals via IAF helicopter which was specifically adapted for the reception process.

After arriving at the hospital the IDFs part of the mission was completed and the girls were handed over to the hospital’s specialized staff for further medical examinations and to be reunited with the rest of their families.

Just as I said last week, it is important for me to mention the brave soldiers, who gave their lives and those who were injured to ensure that this moment was possible.

We cannot and will not forget the 94 hostages - including women, children and elderly men - that remain in Hamas captivity.

Our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home.

As we wait in anticipation and prepare for the second hostage release this Saturday, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, I look forward to sharing more updates.

Till next time, 

LTC Nadav Shoshani