At the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, former hostage and human rights advocate Noa Argamani took center stage for an emotional and thought-provoking conversation on the global urgency of bringing hostages safely home.
Titled “Time to Heal: Bring the Hostages Home Now,” this compelling session, moderated by Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation, captivated attendees with Argamani’s personal story and her strong appeal for awareness and action.
Argamani, 27, who endured the harrowing experience of captivity by Hamas terrorists, spoke from the heart about the mental, emotional, and physical toll such crises take on both individuals and their families. Her testimony underscored the lingering trauma hostages and their loved ones endure, even after they are freed. “Every day matters for those waiting to come home. Every action, no matter how small, can save a life,” Argamani urged.
Argamani was abducted by Hamas operatives on Oct. 7, 2023 from the Nova musical festival together with her boyfriend Avinatan Or, who remains in captivity. "Every morning when I get out of bed I think of him and what to do to bring him home," Argamani said.
Hamas terrorists stormed Israel by land, air, and sea in the attack in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 240 were taken hostage.
Argamani emphasized a collective effort to support governments, NGOs, and international organizations working tirelessly to secure the release of hostages. “It’s about humanity,” she stated, stressing that the network of advocates and policymakers in the room had a responsibility to amplify solutions and push for progress.
The session was both a call to action and a moment for reflection on the role of diplomacy, negotiation, and global partnerships in addressing hostage situations. Moderator Richard Sandler steered the discussion on actionable strategies, including leveraging economic mechanisms, media spotlighting, and humanitarian collaboration to drive results.
“It’s the top priority for (Israel’s) government to win the war and bring the hostages home," Israel Bachar, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest who was in attendance told The Foreign Desk.
"The government (of Israel) is doing everything it can to release them. The only reason Israel has not toppled Hamas yet is because it is careful for the lives of the hostages," Bachar said.
Attendees were deeply moved by Argamani’s courage and the clarity of her vision for change. Many took to social media after the session, praising her as an inspiring advocate and commending the Milken Institute for providing a platform for such vital global issues.
Argamani closed her talk with a message of hope, reminding the audience that small steps could lead to monumental change. “The first step toward freedom starts with compassion and awareness,” she concluded, encouraging everyone in the room to be part of the solution.
Watch the full session here: Time to Heal - Bring the Hostages Home Now.
