Noa Argamani speaks out to save the hostages

By Regan Lipes

(AJNews) The Jewish National Fund’s Edmonton Negev Gala 2025 ‘One Nation: One Heart’ welcomed two distinguished guests: Shai Davidai, an outspoken Assistant Professor who has been a dynamic advocate for Israel, vocally on the Columbia University campus in New York and beyond and the outstandingly brave, astonishingly courageous, and profoundly inspirational Nova Music Festival survivor and released Gaza hostage, Noa Argamani. To be in the same room with such perseverance and strength as Argamani, who endured 246 days of torturous captivity, was a draw for attendees, and proved to be a moving and powerful experience for all.

Proceeds from this year’s JNF Edmonton Negev Gala went to support the Ashdod Rehabilitation and Therapy Centre as they provide essential services to those in the greatest of need, including children battling cancer. One of the local stars of the evening was Carmi Reboh, whose Bat Mitzvah project has focused on raising money to donate to this worthy cause.  The Edmonton Jewish community could not be prouder of her spirit of giving.

The event was emceed by Mike Sobel who welcomed the audience, and described the horrors of October 7th, the devastation of the ensuing war and the resilience of the Israeli people while emphasizing the importance of a collective gathering. He kept the sold-out crowd fully engaged. Obviously, a few hockey jokes needed to be made as Edmontonians were still feeling the sting of a game 6 loss at the Stanley Cup Finals, but the community was truly joyful to be together to unity in a shared love for Eretz Israel: truly in the spirit of ‘One Nation: One Heart.’

The Edmonton Jewish community has been enhanced by the dedication, energy, and vision of Jay Cairns, the Executive Director for JNF Edmonton. Born and raised in the City of Champions, Cairns has been instrumental in building Jewish Edmonton into the strong, vibrant, and united community it is today. As he addressed the audience and spoke with compassion, love and respect for the people of Israel, the guest speakers and the exceptional goals of the Ashdod Rehabilitation and Therapy Centre, he emphasized that efforts at the local level have gone far. His words and message resonated impactfully.

As survivor of the October 7th massacre, Noa Argamani walked purposefully to the front of the sanctuary; despite the large audience, a tiny mouse’s footsteps would have been audible. Then as she turned and faced the crowed, every able-bodied person in the room stood up tall, out of respect and admiration for the impressive young woman. The room erupted in applause that seemed to continue for quite some time. As attendees finally took their seats again, the previous deafening silence seized the crowd again so as not to miss a single word delivered by the soft-spoken and unassuming Argamani. She generously shared her harrowing story of determination and perseverance.

She began by recalling that she was drawn on that Sukkot of 2023 to the Nova Festival out of a deep connection to music, but above all, her love for her partner, long-term boyfriend Avinatan Or who is still imprisoned by terrorists and their collaborators in Gaza, was present with every word she uttered. The haunting image of Argamani kidnapped and forced onto the back of a motorcycle is one that has been emblazoned on international television screens. What cannot be taken for granted is that this was the last time she saw her boyfriend, and the final memory that she holds of him to this day remains one of sheer terror.

The poised and collected Argamani held back on her own trauma as she compassionately spoke of the other hostages she was imprisoned with at various times during her captivity. As she endured unimaginable psychological, emotional, and physical torture, Argamani’s family pleaded with anyone who would listen to try to secure her release.

On June 8, 2024, in a truly courageous operation, IDF soldiers rescued four hostages: Argamani among them. Liora Argamani, suffering from terminal brain cancer was in hospital when the news broke. Incidentally the day of her liberation from Neseirat was also Yaakov Argamani’s birthday and his daughter’s release was the greatest gift he could have prayed for. Noa Argamani was able to spend three precious weeks by her mother’s side before Liora Argamani tragically succumbed to her disease – but she was able to see her daughter before her passing.

Noa Argamani continues to be an impactful and eloquent advocate for the remaining hostages, as she prays to see Avinatan again. During a trip to New York to address the United Nations, father and daughter took a detour to visit the Ohel of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a pilgrimage Yaaakov Argamani made previously when Noa was still being held prisoner. She has been honoured with the distinction of being named one of Time Magazine top 100 most influential people, and she is steadfast in using this influence to bring home every last hostage. She expressed, poignantly, that until Avinatan, and all the others are home, a part of her still feels like she is in captivity.

Following the unforgettable Argamani was the articulate and dynamic Ivy League educated Dr. Shai Davidai, who recently resigned from his position as Assistant Professor at Columbia University. Davidai, his wife, and two daughters live in New York, and worry constantly for their family back in Israel. Davidai explained horrifically to listeners that even before Israel launched into action following the modern-day pogrom of October 7th, there were already jubilant demonstrations on Columbia’s campus as mourning Jewish students, faculty, and allies dressed all in white, silently held up pictures of the brutally kidnapped hostages. Davidai recalled, and shared with attendees that an older Jewish colleague grimly whispered to him that this, pointing to the disgraceful scene they faced, was exactly what their parents had warned them of.

Davidai, no doubt a talented and charismatic lecturer, explained further that he had an interesting moment when he began to consider what he would tell his grandchildren one day posthumously reflecting on his actions during and following the October 7th invasion of Israel. He can be proud that his vocal stand against antisemitism has been heard, and that in the face of criticism, he redoubles his efforts to ensure that Jewish students and faculty across academia, do not become targets and are not isolated by the misinformation that sadly influences the masses.  Every Sunday, rain or shine, Davidai and his family go to Central Park in Manhattan to demonstrate in support of the hostages. He explains to his children that this is important because when a hostage’s family member sees them there, this reminds them that their pain and struggle is not being ignored – that they are not alone.

Davidai’s sentiments echoed the spirit of JNF Edmonton’s 2025 Negev Gala: ‘One Nation: One Heart.’  The community was reminded that Israel has so much to heal from, and that through the diaspora’s efforts to reinvigorate the vitality that terrorism sought to extinguish, the Jewish people will rise up stronger in unity.

Reflecting on the event, Cairns said, “One of the themes of this year’s Negev Gala was to introduce and showcase the strength of young community leaders such as NCSY’s  Daniella Asbell, Stand with Us alumnus Gabriella Kaplan, and Shayna Cairns who began the programme with traditional blessings over the people and State of Israel. Former President of Hillel, Stand with Us alumni Danielle Shaposhnikov did an unbelievable job interviewing both Noa and Shai with poise, class and thoughtful questions and follow ups. The crowd left feeling that the future of the Jewish people is in strong and capable hands.”

Cairns extended his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s gala. He said, “Edmonton is a small but mighty community that continues to punch above its weight funding a number of transformative projects that improve and enhance the lives of all Israelis. One of the most beautiful parts of the gala for me was to see the group of students and young adults who stayed behind to spend time with Shai, sharing stories and asking great questions.

“Shai and Noa represent the resilience and strength of the Jewish people. We are all fighting our own battles, trying to navigate a world that seems to be rapidly squeezing and dividing us at every turn. All of our experiences with antisemitism have had an effect on our personal and communal consciousness. Regardless of the details of that experience I hope the gala gave attendees hope that the future of Klal Yisrael is strong. Leaders like Shai and Noa advocating for the hostages, Israel, and the diaspora makes me very proud to be Jewish and I hope you are too.”

Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.