Recommended
Noa Argamani, a hostage captured and released by Hamas in Gaza, listens during a press conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 19, 2025, on the eve of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. REUTERS/Stephani Spindel
Ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress tonight, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have unveiled their guest lists.
Such guest lists often function as political posturing, indicating which issues a lawmaker views as important. In addition, the invitations are often used as statements for or against the sitting president.
This year’s address, which the White House is not calling a State of the Union speech, despite falling during the traditional time, is no exception to this practice.
U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson unveiled his guest list on Monday, featuring individuals representing issues he has strongly advocated for. Among them are border officials, conservative media figures Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh, and rescued Israeli hostage Noa Argamani.
“I am honored that Noa Argamani will be joining us at President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress,” Johnson told the New York Post. “Despite experiencing the unimaginable in the hands of Hamas, Noa has demonstrated incredible strength and courage.”
“Her return gives us hope for the safe return of all Hamas hostages,” he continued. “We must continue to work to bring each of them home and stand firm against those who commit such atrocities.”
Argamani, like other hostages who have returned to Israel, has been a tireless spokesperson for the remaining hostages in Gaza, recently addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss Hamas’ mistreatment of those taken captive by the terror organization.
“I can tell you this is exactly how the [remaining] hostages are feeling today – abandoned by the world,” Argamani told UN diplomats.
Argamani has supported the continuation of the hostage-ceasefire agreement until all the captives, including her partner, Avinatan Or, are returned to Israel.
“After eight months in captivity, I was rescued by the Israeli soldiers. Being here today is a miracle, but I’m here today to tell you we have no time. As I speak, there are still 63 hostages living in a nightmare, including my partner Avinatan,” she told the UNSC. “Until Avinatan returns, my heart is in captivity.”
President Trump has apparently invited several Israeli hostages to attend his upcoming address to Congress.
Over the weekend, the brother of released hostage Eli Sharabi told Israel’s Channel 12 that after watching Eli’s dramatic interview about his time in captivity, Trump invited him to the White House for a visit.
Sharabi’s brother, Sharon, said Trump watched a translated version of his brother’s interview and invited him to visit him in Washington, D.C.
Sharabi is set to meet with Trump ahead of his address to Congress on Tuesday evening.
“Survivors of captivity, including my brother Eli, will meet with Trump in Washington this coming Tuesday and explain to him, in the most direct way possible, the urgency of returning all the hostages, living and dead,” Sharon said.
Copyright © 2024 OneNews.press.
