Israel Makes Emotional Plea for Release of 25-Year-Old Held Captive by Hamas

In a distressing incident on October 7, a 25-year-old Israeli woman named Noa Argamani was kidnapped by Hamas operatives. This incident, captured on video, became a defining visual of the attack in which 240 Israelis were taken hostage. The footage shows Noa pleading for her life while sitting on the back of an operative’s motorcycle. Unfortunately, 61 days have passed since the attack, and Noa is still being held captive in the Gaza Strip.

As Jews around the world began celebrating the eight-day winter festival of lights, Hanukkah, Israel made an emotional plea for Noa’s release. They urged Jews to light the first candle in honor of Noa Argamani. Israel posted a message on social media, saying, “Tonight as Jews all over the world celebrate Hanukkah, we ask that you light the first candle for Noa Argamani who is currently being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. May Noa and all of the hostages be reunited with their families this Hanukkah.”

The attack by Hamas took place unexpectedly, with hundreds of operatives crossing the border using motorcycles, paragliders, and boats. The Israeli government claims that 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and 240 were taken hostage. Noa, who is a Chinese-born Israeli citizen, was kidnapped from a music festival near the Gaza border. A viral video of the incident shows her being taken away on a motorbike, desperately pleading for her life. Her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, also appears in the video, being separated from Noa by Hamas.

Adding to the tragedy, Noa’s mother, Liora, is currently battling stage 4 brain cancer and has expressed her desire to see her daughter before her illness takes her life. The faces of the Israeli hostages still appear on posters plastered across Jerusalem bus stops and buildings, keeping the somber mood alive. As Hanukkah begins, it is a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the hope for the safe return of all the hostages.