Avinatan Or wraps an arm around his partner Noa Argamani’s shoulders. She flashes a warm smile as he ducks his head and kisses her on the cheek. This embrace marks the end of a two-year separation, a reunion made possible after a harrowing ordeal that began on a fateful autumn day.
Noa and Avinatan were among dozens of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the terror organization’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023. Footage of their abduction became a haunting symbol of the violence that day. Now, safely in each other’s arms, they close a chapter on those traumatic years.
The Day That Changed Everything
Their lives changed forever when they attended a music festival in the western Negev desert. The event, held on the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, was meant to celebrate “friends, love and infinite freedom.” However, the Nova music festival, located near the Gaza border, became one of the first targets when Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel.
Militants stormed the festival, firing indiscriminately into the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, Noa was torn away from Avinatan and forced onto the back of a motorbike, while Avinatan was marched away by a group of men. It was the last time the couple saw each other for more than two years.
Surviving Captivity
Noa was held alongside two male hostages, Yossi Sharabi and Itay Svirsky, subjected to “brainwashing” and emotional abuse. Their captors forced them to read the Quran and study Islamic rulings, moving them between various locations in al-Nuseirat, a refugee camp in central Gaza.
Unbeknownst to Noa, her abduction had become a focal point for international calls for the release of hostages. Yet, as time passed, the world had little knowledge of her fate until January 14, 2024, when Hamas released a video of Noa and her fellow captives, reigniting hope for their safe return.
“I want to see her one more time. Talk to her one more time,” pleaded Noa’s mother, Liora, who was battling brain cancer.
Despite the odds, Noa’s parents continued to advocate for her release, even as Liora’s health deteriorated. Eight months later, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a daring rescue operation.
The Rescue and Emotional Reunion
On June 8, 2024, Noa was rescued during a “complex daytime operation” by the IDF. She was transported to Sheba Medical Center, where doctors found her malnourished but relieved to be free. The reunion with her father, Yaakov, was particularly poignant as it coincided with his birthday.
Noa was later transferred to Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where she reunited with her mother. Liora was granted her dying wish to see her daughter one last time before passing away three weeks later.
Advocacy and Hope for Avinatan
Although free, Noa’s anguish continued with Avinatan still in captivity. Undeterred, she became a leading advocate for the release of remaining hostages, meeting with international leaders and addressing Congress and the UN Security Council.
“Noa’s advocacy has illuminated Hamas’ extreme brutality, but more importantly, her bravery has embodied Jewish resilience and strength even in the worst moments,” wrote Doug Emhoff for Time Magazine.
On October 13, 2025, Avinatan was among 20 Israeli hostages released, ending 738 days of captivity. As he stepped onto home soil, he formed a heart symbol with his hands, signifying the emotional reunion with Noa.
The couple, who had spent more of their relationship apart than together, finally shared a moment alone, marking the end of an ordeal that tested their resilience and love.
