Her abduction video, where she cried “Don’t kill me!”, became a lasting image of the hostage crisis.
Noa Argamani is an Israeli woman whose abduction during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack made her a symbol of the hostage crisis. After being held captive in Gaza for 245 days, she was rescued on June 8, 2024, and has since become a public advocate for other hostages and a figure of resilience.
She met her boyfriend Avinatan Or after two years when Hamas freed 20 hostages.
On October 7, 2023, Argamani attended the Nova music festival with her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, when Hamas militants attacked them and abducted her and Or. During captivity, she endured severe conditions, including malnutrition and displacement between hiding spots.
Her abduction video, where she cried “Don’t kill me!”, became a lasting image of the hostage crisis. The look of fear and heartbreak on their faces became one of the most haunting images of October 7.
Later, Noa was featured on TIME 100 list and met with US President Donald Trump too.
Noa Argamani was born on October 12, 1997, making her 26 years old at the time of her rescue.
Her Instagram handle is @noargamani, with over 158,000 followers. Her profile shares life moments post-rescue and advocacy.
After her rescue, Argamani has become vocal about the ongoing plight of hostages. She has appeared in public events and been included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
Noa Argamani was freed by Israeli forces from Hamas captivity on June 8, 2024. Her rescue was part of a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israeli police.
Upon her release, she was taken to Sheba Medical Center for medical care. Her father called the day of rescue a birthday present. Tragically, her mother — diagnosed with terminal brain cancer — died shortly after, making the reunion bittersweet.
Argamani’s mother, Liora Argamani (also known by the Chinese name Li Chunhong), was battling brain cancer when Noa was abducted.
She made public pleas for her daughter’s return. She passed away in late 2024, shortly after Noa’s rescue.
Her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, is freed from Hamas on 13th October.Or was among the last 20 living hostages freed under the truce deal between Israel and Hamas.
Noa was continues to advocate for his safe return along with others still held.
