Noa Argamani Speaks at First U.S. College Campus Appearance
Noa Argamani Speaks at First U.S. College Campus Appearance
December 19, 2025
Jewish Herald Voice—Hostage survivor and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) student Noa Argamani addressed more than 400 students and community members on December 8 at Texas Hillel. Co-hosted by Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) and Shalom Austin, the event marked Argamani’s first public speaking engagement on a U.S. college campus. It drew attendees from the University of Texas, nearby universities, and the Austin community.
Abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, Argamani shared her account of 245 days in Hamas captivity and her eventual rescue. Reflecting on the shock of that day, she told the audience, “We never thought that could happen—not in our country. You’re just going to a party, and suddenly you’re stuck in the tunnels of Gaza.” She stressed the importance of continued awareness, adding, “We need to keep talking about it all the time, so people realize it could happen to each one of us.”
During her testimony, Argamani described the chaos of the early morning attack and the devastating realization that friends had been murdered. “When we tried to drive, the terrorists started shooting on us,” she said, recalling how a split-second decision separated her from a friend who was later killed. She also spoke about being held in captivity with two young Israeli hostages also held in Gaza, sharing that “it wasn’t easy to be with two little girls there … where little kids ask you for food, and you have nothing to give them; it’s really hard.” She described watching their release after 50 days as “the first time that we have joy in captivity.”
Her account of her June 2024 rescue brought the room to a state of stillness. “I didn’t know the soldiers were in my house until they broke the door and told me they’re coming to bring me home,” she said. After her rescue, she was able to reunite with her mother, Liora, who had been battling brain cancer, and spend meaningful time with her before she passed away. Rabbi Stephanie Max, Executive Director of Texas Hillel and the evening’s moderator, emphasized the importance of bearing witness, particularly in the days leading up to Hanukkah. As noted by Jewish Herald Voice, Rabbi Max said, “For the survivors of October 7, the act of telling their stories is critically important—for them and for us. The world can have a very short memory, and there is incredible risk when that happens.”
Read more on Jewish Herald Voice>
This event was part of a series of events organized by A4BGU called “Meet Noa Argamani: A Story of Hope and Miracles,” which sold out across Austin, Los Angeles, Seattle, Palo Alto and San Francisco.
Over the last two years, the BGU community has been directly and disproportionally impacted following October 7, and BGU is forging a stronger, more resilient way forward for our students, faculty and community. We hope you will consider getting involved and supporting the University.
By donating today, your generosity will be directed to Ben-Gurion University’s area of greatest need, giving the University the flexibility to respond quickly and make the greatest possible impact where it matters most.
As we continue celebrating Hanukkah, we are reminded of its enduring meaning and relevance today. We hope Noa inspires you to remember that we can each be a part of hope and miracles all around us.
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