Noga Weiss from Kibbutz Be’eri, who was abducted with her mother by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and was released from the Gaza Strip in a hostage deal in November, was drafted into the Israeli military this morning.
Noga will serve as a mashakit tash, a sort of social worker for soldiers.
“After a very turbulent period, I feel that enlisting in the army to the position of a mashakit tash is the right thing for me. Mashakit tash has been my dream position for years. I feel that I can contribute a lot, be significant and help others,” Weiss said in a statement.
Noga Weiss admitted that her return from captivity only reinforced her decision.
“On the day of our release, they took us to Kerem Shalom, and there was a hangar full of soldiers. The presence of the soldiers made me feel safe, and it only strengthened my desire to be a part of and serve in the army,” she added.
Noga Weiss said that it was always important for her to enlist and dedicate herself to Israel. She expects that the service will help her distract herself from the nightmare she experienced, provide her with clear structure and occupation, and allow her to return to normal life — the way it was before October 7.
Noga Weiss and her mother, Shiri, were released from captivity on November 25, after 50 days in captivity. Her father, Ilan, was killed by the terrorists.
In her first interview, Noga recounted that when the terrorists took her to Gaza, she was sure her mother was killed, and she was left completely alone. She remembers how she was taken to the Gaza Strip, and everyone around her rejoiced — women, children, men. They reached out to her to grab her by the hair, and at that time, she thought it would be better if they just killed her.
The girl recounted that once they were transferred to a new hideout, their attitude changed, and they started giving them food. One of the terrorists announced that he would marry her. On the 14th day of captivity, he gave her a ring. He told her that after all hostages were released, she would stay in Gaza to “bear him children.” He even tracked down her mother to bless their marriage. Noga remembers that once a woman in Arab clothing entered the house, and it took her some time to recognize her mother in this woman. Noga says that the terrorist stayed with them until their release, but the atmosphere became tense after her mother refused to bless the marriage of her daughter and the terrorist.
