Liora Argamani, the mother of recently rescued Israeli hostage Noa, has died. Brain-cancer-stricken Liora’s final wish was her daughter’s homecoming.
“My mother, the best friend there is, the strongest and most beautiful person I’ve ever known. I’m standing here today and it’s still hard for me to accept it,” Noa said at her mother’s funeral. “Against all odds, I was privileged to be with you in your last moments and to hear your last words. Thank you for being strong and holding on so that I could see you at least one more time, and so that Dad wouldn’t be left alone. Thank you for the 26 years I was privileged to spend by your side. I learned so much from you. You took me to travel around the world with you and made me the strong person I am today.”
Noa was kidnapped on October 7 from the Nova music festival. Her mother begged Hamas to release Noa, so that Liora could see her daughter one last time. In December, Liora asked “for the chance to see my Noa at home.” The Israel Defense Forces rescued Noa and three other hostages in a daring operation in May. The four were being held by Hamas-affiliated Gazan civilians.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated.