Nova Festival Hostage Survivor Avinatan Or Discusses Breakup With Noa Argamani

Avinatan Or, an Israeli hostage survivor and electrical engineer abducted by Hamas from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, has spoken about his experiences and personal life following his release. His abduction alongside his then-girlfriend, Noa Argamani, became a globally recognized symbol of the Hamas attack. Or was held in harsh conditions for over two years, enduring isolation and starvation in tunnels and safe houses. During his captivity, he utilized his engineering skills to meticulously plan an independent escape, details of which he shared in an extensive reconstruction on the program "Uvda" with Ilana Dayan.

Or's release was ultimately secured in October 2025 as part of a hostage deal, after 738 days in Hamas captivity. In October 2026, during a series of interviews marking three years since the massacre, Or appeared on "Uvda" to discuss his time in captivity and his return to civilian life. He recalled how his captors frequently mentioned Argamani, saying things like "Noa, your beloved." He also expressed difficulty comprehending the public's perception of him and Argamani as Israeli celebrities.

When asked about his current relationship status with Argamani, Or confirmed their separation. "Noa and I both went through a lot in these two years, each changed in their own way, and things that might have fit before, today no longer fit," he explained. Confirming their relationship had ended, Or added with a sense of peace, "And it's over. And it's okay that it's over. And we are moving on, each in his own way. But it's okay, I'm good in life. After a period at the bottom, now I feel at the very top."

The public relationship, which began during a national tragedy, has now concluded, with Or and Argamani each continuing their personal recovery and life journeys separately.