Noa Argamani Named Among Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025

Noa Argamani, the Israeli woman whose harrowing abduction by Hamas on October 7 shocked the world, has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. Her inclusion in the list marks not only recognition of her personal strength but also her growing role as a global advocate for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

Argamani’s name appeared in the list’s official announcement on Wednesday, with a tribute penned by Douglas Emhoff, husband of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Emhoff, who is Jewish, described the viral video of her abduction from the Nova music festival as an image “seared into my soul.” He noted how Argamani’s post-rescue activism has turned her from a victim into a powerful voice for justice.

Held hostage for 245 days, Argamani was eventually freed in Operation Arnon, an Israeli rescue mission. One of her first questions upon being liberated was whether her mother, Liora—who had been battling terminal cancer was still alive. Tragically, Liora passed away before their reunion could happen.

Since her return, Argamani has become a beacon of advocacy. She speaks not only for herself but for the nearly 60 hostages still in Hamas captivity, including her partner Avinatan Or, who remains imprisoned in Gaza. A sign of life was received from him just last month.

“Noa’s advocacy has illuminated Hamas’ extreme brutality,” Emhoff wrote, “but more importantly, her bravery has embodied Jewish strength even in the worst moments. She is living proof to the world that, despite everything, ‘we will dance again.’”

Argamani responded with gratitude “Thank you, Doug, for your kind words and for capturing my story with such care and compassion. Most of all, thank you for echoing our call: bring them all home. We won’t stop until they are. And yes, we will dance again.”

Her courage and eloquence have since drawn the attention of world leaders, who have welcomed her into meetings and international forums. Noa Argamani’s voice is now one of the most prominent in the global effort to keep the hostages’ stories alive and demand their safe return.

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