Noa Argamani, a survivor of Hamas captivity who was abducted to Gaza on October 7 and rescued in “Operation Arnon” in June 2024, has been named to TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2024.
“Her story has become a global emblem of Jewish resistance and hope”
Douglas Emhoff, husband of former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, wrote the tribute honoring Argamani.
“She was dancing with so many others at the Nova Festival when Hamas launched its terrorist attack,” Emhoff wrote. “When she was abducted to Gaza on a motorcycle, the terrified expression on her face became a symbol of the pain and trauma that Jews around the world, myself included, continue to feel.”
He continued: “Since her rescue after 245 days in captivity, Noa has shown extraordinary courage and humanity — speaking out on behalf of the hostages still being held, including her boyfriend, Avinatan Or.”
“Her story has become a global emblem of Jewish resistance and hope.”
“I’m here today because a miracle happened to me”
About two months ago, Noa Argamani addressed the United Nations Security Council, calling on the international community to help secure the release of the remaining hostages.
“I’m here today because a miracle happened to me — but 63 hostages are still living this nightmare,” she said, her voice trembling. “They are in total darkness, not knowing whether they will live or die in the next moment.”
Argamani delivered her remarks after being invited by the Israeli and U.S. delegations to the UN, during a session on the situation in Gaza.
With deep emotion, she recounted her abduction:
“I was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 from the Nova music festival with my partner, Avinatan Or. We were taken by force into Gaza, we were held in total fear, living in a nightmare.”
“I held his hand as tightly as I could. But in one terrifying moment, we were torn apart and dragged into the unknown.”
Watch Witkoff’s remarks at a Washington event marking 500 days of captivity, featuring Noa Argamani:
In her speech, Argamani emphasized the importance of ongoing international efforts:
“But I’m here today to tell you we have no time. As I speak, there are still 63 hostages living a nightmare.”
“They are in total darkness. Not knowing whether they will live or die in the next moment.”
“You don’t need me to tell you about 9-month-old Kfir, and 4-year-old Ariel and their mother, Shiri. A mother and her babies were brutally murdered in captivity.”
“Our lives cannot go on without them.”
