Noa Argamani, rescued on June 8, praises ‘hero of Israel’ Arnon Zamora, calls to remember hostages

One of the four hostages rescued from Gaza on June 8, Noa Argamani, released a video at the end of Shabbat on Saturday, thanking the IDF and issuing a call to remember the hostages still being held captive in Gaza.

Argamani became one of the most recognized faces among the Israeli hostages after a video on social media showed her being separated from her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, and abducted by terrorists on a motorcycle.

During the video posted by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Saturday night, Argamani spoke about her concern for her parents during her captivity. 

“As the only child of my parents, as the daughter of a mother with a terminal illness, the thing that preoccupied me the most during my captivity was my worry for my parents,” she said. 

Argamani's mother, Liora, had made several pleas to Hamas and international organizations to release her daughter so she could see her again before she died.

In December, Liora pleaded with U.S. President Joe Biden to help rescue Noa. 

“It’s a great privilege to be here after 246 days in Hamas captivity,” Argamani said in the video. “It’s a great privilege to be by my mother’s side after eight months of uncertainty.” 

Argamani also expressed her gratitude for all those who helped her parents during that time, saying: “It’s a great privilege to see my parents surrounded by so many good people.” 

She thanked the IDF troops and security forces who rescued her and Almog Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. 

“I want to thank the security forces and our army, the soldiers, reservists, special forces, and everyone who took part in the rescue operation and risked their lives so that I could return home.” 

Argamani expressed grief for the family of Yamam officer Arnon Zamora, the Israel Police officer who died during the rescue operation. Zamora was part of the National Counter-Terrorism Unit.

The operation to rescue the hostages was renamed Operation Arnon in honor of Zamora’s sacrifice.

Argamani called him “the hero of Israel” and said, “Because of him, we are here.” 

Argamani reminded everyone of the remaining hostages in Gaza. 

“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that there are 120 more hostages in Hamas captivity, and among them is Avinatan Or, my partner, from whom I was separated at the moment of the abduction,” Noa said. “Although I am at home now, we cannot forget the hostages who are still in Hamas captivity, and we must do everything possible to bring them back home.” 

While the video was shown during the weekly protests in Tel Aviv, Argamani did not publicly call for a ceasefire. Some believe this is because the family of Or has expressed their opposition to a deal that would require IDF troops to withdraw from Gaza. Instead, she called for unity.

“I wish for all of us to have more peaceful days – quieter days – to be surrounded by family, friends and good people. Most importantly, may we learn to love and not hate.”