First on CNN: Father describes how his young daughter Emily Hand survived Hamas captivity
The father of a young girl who was held captive by Hamas for two months tearfully described his daughter Emily Hand’s harrowing ordeal and survival to CNN.
Emily Hand, a Canadian teenager, was visiting the Gaza Strip with relatives in 2019 when, according to her father Bob, they were stopped at a checkpoint by Hamas militants and told to separate. Emily was told to get out of the car, and stayed hostage for two months.
During her captivity, Emily endured frequent interrogations and daily threats of violence. After weeks of intense diplomatic efforts, Emily was finally freed in August 2019.
When asked about how she was able to survive her captivity under such dire conditions, Bob Hand explained that his daughter had managed to cultivate a positive relationship with one of her captors. He said that after giving Emily a book of Quranic verses for her 15th birthday, he believes the militant developed an emotional connection with her.
Bob says that Emily’s connection with her captor, and her extraordinary strength and courage, ultimately allowed her to survive and come home safely.