Former Hamas hostage Noa Argamani has been selected as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025 by the prestigious Time magazine in the "leaders" category, the publication announced Wednesday.
In the award citation, written by Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, he stated, "The video of Noa Argamani on October 7, 2023, is forever seared into my soul." Emhoff added, "She was joyfully dancing with so many others at the Nova music festival when Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attack. As she was kidnapped into Gaza on a motorcycle, her harrowing expression became a symbol of the pain and trauma Jews worldwide, myself included, continue to feel."
Emhoff noted that Argamani was held captive for 245 days, a period she described as "pure hell." He praised her exceptional courage and humanity in her advocacy for the remaining hostages, including her partner Avinatan Or. "My wife Kamala Harris and I stand with Noa in fighting for the release of all the hostages. We cannot give up until every one of them is home," Emhoff wrote.
According to Emhoff, Argamani's advocacy has illuminated "Hamas' extreme brutality," but more importantly, "her bravery has embodied Jewish resilience and strength even in the worst moments." Emhoff concluded by saying that Argamani is "living proof to the world that, despite everything, 'we will dance again.'"
