Rescued Israeli hostage Noa Argamani, who was freed after eight months of captivity in the Gaza Strip, shared her harrowing experiences with G7 embassy representatives in Tokyo this week.
Argamani, 26, was abducted during the October 7 attack at the Supernova music festival in southern Israel.
In a poignant address, Argamani recounted how she endured severe deprivation, including limited access to water and infrequent showers. “I lost a lot of weight. We drank less than half a litre per day, and there were days we weren’t allowed to drink at all,” she said. Argamani relied on “mindfulness” and memories of happier times, such as scuba diving, to maintain her mental resilience despite the harsh conditions.
Argamani’s ordeal was highlighted by a distressing video that surfaced shortly after her abduction, showing her being dragged away while pleading for her life. The video became a symbol of the terrorists’ brutality.
She and three other hostages were finally rescued during a daring operation in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp on June 8. Tragically, Argamani returned home only to lose her mother to brain cancer in July.
Describing her survival as a “miracle,” Argamani addressed the G7 members, emphasizing her gratitude for her rescue and urging global leaders to secure the release of the remaining 109 hostages, including her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, who was also captured during the festival.
“I just want to say that he should take care of himself, and I am waiting for him at home,” Argamani said. She expressed deep concern over Or’s well-being and the need for urgent action to bring him and others home.
Her impassioned plea comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which have yet to yield a resolution. The issue of hostages remains a critical topic at the Democratic National Convention, where Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for an end to the “horrific war” in Gaza.
In a striking reminder of the ongoing crisis, a 30-foot replica of the bloodied sweatpants worn by another hostage, Naama Levy, was displayed near the DNC venue. Additionally, Americans Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel, who Hamas also kidnapped, remain in captivity, with their current condition unknown. Hamas is also holding the bodies of Judith and Gadi Haggai and Itay Chen, according to the American-Jewish Committee.
