After almost 500 days in Hamas captivity, 20-year-old Daniella Gilboa was released along with three other hostages today (Saturday) in accordance with the first stage of the hostage deal.
According to the Jerusalem Post, loved ones said of Daniella that she is a talented singer with a winning smile, a funny young woman who stands out in any environment.
Though originally named Danielle, her name was changed to Daniella after her kidnapping to Gaza on the advice of a Rabbi. The Hostages Family Forum said that this change would provide Daniella with divine protection now that the letter ה, symbolizing God's name, was part of her name, as well.
Her mother noted in interviews that she often dreamt of Daniella returning to scold her for changing her name without permission.
In addition, Daniella's boyfriend of eight years is also waiting for her return and has reportedly received her family's blessing to propose to her.
Daniella was kidnapped from the Nachal Oz outpost along with other fellow field observers on October 7.
During her captivity, she was forced to be recorded by Hamas blaming the government for her condition and state of mind, saying that "I don’t know when or if I’ll ever return home. I’m under constant bombardment and gunfire 24 hours a day. I’m terrified for my life. At one point, your bombs nearly killed me,” she said.
“Where were you on October 7 when I was taken from my bed? Where are you now? Why do I, as a soldier who gave 100% of myself to the country and served in such difficult conditions in the Gaza envelope, have to feel abandoned and discarded by you?
The IDF released footage showing Daniella's return to Israel and her embrace of her family at the IDF initial meeting point in a joyful embrace following over a year of separation.
Watch here:
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