Freed hostage Romi Gonen's first Instagram post since release - read here 

Romi Gonen, the hostage freed along with Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari on 19 January 2025, has written her first Instagram post since her release.

Her post stated: "It's Wednesday and thank God I'm finally home to be a part of it. There is no doubt that leopard spots are an inseparable part of me, and thanks to my family and friends, you have turned it into an exciting initiative designed to remember me and fight for me."

A leopard-print coat is a favorite pattern of Romi’s and a symbol that was worn by people around the world to show solidarity during her captivity.

Romi describes the feelings of returning home: "After 471 days, I came out of the darkness into the light, and I was so excited to shout: 'Father, I came back alive, Father! Thank you to my beloved family who simply did everything to bring me home. Thanks to you, I was able to maintain sanity and faith. Thank you to all my friends who became the "Romi Army" and to everyone who took part in the struggle, to the security forces who risked their lives for us, I will thank you forever."

In the post, she also mentions those who gave everything for the country and the people: "Reinforcement and huge amounts of love for the bereaved families."

As for the future, she writes: "My rehabilitation journey begins now and I have many more surgeries and treatments ahead of me, but the most important thing is that I am at home. My rehabilitation won't be complete until they're all home!!! Am Yisrael Chai!"

Romi, how good it is that you're finally home.