In a moment of overwhelming joy, four Israeli hostages – Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv – returned to Israel on Saturday after being held captive by Hamas in the Gaza since Oct. 7, when the terrorist group invaded Israel. Their release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing hostage crisis.
Video: Noa Argamani, her father Yaakov and a fighter who rescued her and other hostages / Credit: IDF
Noa Argamani, 26, from Be'er Sheva, was abducted from a Nova music festival along with her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, who remains in captivity. Recently, proof of life was released. Her mother, Liora, a cancer patient, will reunite with her daughter. Weeks ago, Liora expressed, "I don't have much time left in this world; this is my last wish."
Upon her return, Noa told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "I'm very emotional; I haven't heard Hebrew in so long." To President Isaac Herzog, she said, "Thank you for everything. I'm so happy to be here. Thank you for this moment."
Almog Meir Jan, 21, from Or Yehuda, was also taken from the Nova festival. His sister recently shared, "The first thing we'll do when he returns is be with family and watch a movie together. Almog is very family-oriented."
Andrey Kozlov, 27, from Rishon LeZion, immigrated to Israel from Russia alone. He stayed in Israel to live out his dream and was working as a security guard at Nova festival when abducted. His mother, who immigrated after October 7, will welcome him home.
Shlomi Ziv, 41, from Moshav Elkosh, worked as an usher at the Nova festival. Married to Miran for 17 years, they have been trying to have children. His sister, Revital, previously stated, "God willing, Shlomi will return to us soon. Sending you strength."
The hostages were flown by helicopter to Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer for medical evaluation.
