Noa Argamani, Freed from Captivity, Visits Her Terminally Ill Mother

Hours after being rescued from eight months of captivity in Gaza, Noa Argamani arrived at a hospital in Tel Aviv to visit her terminally ill mother. Argamani, 26, became one of the most recognized faces among the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Disturbing footage of her abduction, showing her pleading for her life while being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle, circulated globally. Her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, remains in captivity.

Argamani was rescued on Saturday along with three other hostages during an Israeli special forces operation in central Gaza. "I’m so happy to be here," she said in a phone call with Israel’s president upon her return, surrounded by friends and family.

Her arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center was met with cheers. Her mother, Liora, is being treated there for terminal brain cancer. Back in October, Liora, in a wheelchair, expressed her hope for a reunion with her daughter, saying, "At least to be able to hug her."

Hospital CEO Ronni Gamzu described Liora's condition as "complicated and tough." He confirmed that Argamani was able to communicate with her mother, who seemed to understand that her daughter had come home. "For the last eight months, we have been trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Gamzu said.

Argamani's father, Yaakov, met her after a military helicopter brought her back to Israel. "Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said.

The abduction occurred during a brutal attack at the Nova dance festival, where more than 360 people were killed, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli reports.

Nearby the hospital in central Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis gathered at what is now known as Hostage Square. They rallied to celebrate the rescue of the four hostages and to demand the release of over 115 others still held in Gaza.

Discoveries like this highlight Israel's commitment to bringing its citizens home and the resilience of those who have suffered. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on stories of hope and courage.