‘I Know What It Feels Like to Be Left Behind’ Israeli Former Hostage Speaks at UN

Israeli former hostage Noa Argamani delivered an emotional and powerful address to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, recounting her harrowing experience of being held captive by Hamas terrorists for 246 days. Argamani, who was taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre that killed over 1,200 Israelis, called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages still trapped in Gaza.

Argamani’s story is a stark reminder of the brutal realities faced by those who survived the attack. “We are talking about innocent people, taken from their bed, from a dance party, from their simple life, into a pure hell,” she said, emphasizing the innocence of those abducted by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

Argamani shared specific and chilling details of her captivity. She described a tragic event that occurred 54 days into her ordeal, which led to the deaths of her friends, Yossi Sharabi and Itay Svirsky.

• The Explosion: “One evening, the house we were held in was blown up, and we found ourselves in the destruction,” Argamani recounted. “Itay was able to stand up, but Yossi and I were stuck under the rubbles.”

• Desperation and Loss: “I screamed so loud so someone would hear me, and I heard Yossi screaming too. But after a few seconds, I stopped hearing from Yossi,” she continued. “When we got to him, it was already too late.”

• Further Tragedy: Just two days later, Argamani’s captors murdered Itay Svirsky, a friend who had been with her since the first day of captivity. “We told each other everything he was my true soulmate. [May their memories] be a blessing.”

Argamani also opened up about the profound fear of being left behind. She described watching other hostages being released, only to remain in captivity herself, uncertain if her own freedom would ever come. “I know what it feels like to be left behind,” she said.

Argamani concluded her address with a heartfelt plea for the 63 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity, including her partner Avinatan Or. “As I speak, there are still 63 hostages living in a nightmare, including my partner Avinatan Or. Our life cannot go without them.”

Her words are a stark reminder of the continued suffering of those still in captivity and their families. The international community must not look away from the atrocities committed by Hamas and must stand with Israel in demanding the release of all innocent hostages.

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