Delighted for Emily Hand

[Cashncarry68]

..and her family. Her story is one that resonated with many people. If that were my little girl, I would never let her out of my sight. I expect her parents realise what a blessing really does now look like.

Me too. I'm so relieved to know she is home safe. I am so sorry for her family going through this ordeal.

It’s brilliant news, very glad it’s happened. Sadly her mother died when Emily was just 2 years old so she’s already been through an awful lot for such a young child.

Oh I am showing my ignorance there. I never knew that. That makes this doubly emotional for her father then.

Yes, and her step mother was murdered during the massacre. It's a lot for someone so young to be going through. I hope they manage to keep her out of the public eye. The last thing she needs is fame

So much to contend with so young. There are a couple of hostages you can't help but think about. Children orphaned or on their own.
I just hope the babies come out today. I don't understand the reticence to release them other than they are a gold plated bargaining chip.

It was lovely to hear she had been released. Hoping all the other hostages are also released

There's a lot of anguish in Emily's face in pictures, since her release. Understandably so.

I'm so pleased to hear she has been released, so much trauma to overcome for both her and her father though. May they both be surrounded by love, support and safety. ❤

The statement Leo Varadkar made was so insulting...
'Found' after she was 'lost'

Yes, absolutely agree. More obfuscation.

I was so very glad. Her father seemed so shattered. I hope she gets all the help she needs.

I don't agree. At first, it was reported that Emily had died, before it was reported that she might be alive and until her release, it wasn't 100% certain that she was still alive. It also wasn't certain which hostages are being held by Hamas and which by other groups. So there has been a lot of searching and finding of information. Lost/found covers all these scenarios, she is a little Irish/Israeli girl who was lost and has been found and, as for all the hostages, everyone wants them all to be found and returned to their families.

@Joolsin #bringthemhomenow very much disagree with you.
Nothing to do with being 'lost' or 'found'. Wishywashy rubbish.

I think somebody is going to be spoilt rotten with a birthday party. Yes, one might argue that's inappropriate at this time, but she damn well deserves it.

Happy 9th birthday Emily 🎂 🥳 🎉

The poor kids all look stunned and traumatised. I hope they are given plenty of space and time to heal and their families find some peace.

I had assumed that Varadkar was - consciously or not - referencing Luke 15, and found the reference poignant.

It is worth looking at his whole statement. It uses words like "snatched", "held captive", "hostage" and "a slow and cruel torture". I don't think it can be said to be minimising the situation at all.

https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1728814900095701121?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

@Motorina sorry if I have been hasty. I hadn't seen that and should do my homework a bit more.

@Stomacharmeleon no worries - we all do it online sometimes.

Her 'stepmother' wasn't murdered, fyi

It was her father's ex-wife (as in previous to him meeting Emily's mother).

It's wonderful news, and the Taoiseach's comments were not inappropriate but entirely true.

Her father had spent weeks believing his little girl was 'lost' to him - through death - before receiving news she was captive and alive - and still lost to him for the time being.

Yes, from what I've seen Emily looked like she was in deep shock/trauma. Which is to be expected I suppose. I'm hoping and praying she will be ok.

It is such good news. I hope the others follow soon.

Israel seems to be giving up a lot to get a few back as ever but hopefully every single other hostage will be released very soon.

That's because Israel has a lot detained under administrative detention

The little boy eating up his schnitzel and mash! I have to say that the scenes of children being reunited with their families are very touching.
Little Emily, in particular. Her poor dad.