Nvidia CEO breaks silence after employee is released from Hamas after two years in captivity
Avinatan Or was held as a hostage for over two years
The CEO of Nvidia has broken his silence after an employee was released from Hamas following two years spent as a hostage in captivity.
Jensen Huang, who is the head of the tech giant, sent out a letter to his staff on October 14, expressing his gratitude over the release of Avinatan Or and welcoming him home.
Or is an Israeli employee of Nvidia who was attending the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, when it was attacked by Hamas.
Both Or and his partner, Noa Argamani, were taken as prisoners and held separately before Argamani was rescued in an Israeli military operation in June 2024.
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Following the recent ceasefire and hostage release agreement, Or was released along with others after spending over two years as a hostage.
Addressing his staff, Jensen Huang said in his letter: “I am profoundly moved and deeply grateful to share that, just moments ago, our colleague, Avinatan Or, was released to the Red Cross in Gaza. After two unimaginable years in Hamas captivity, Avinatan has come home.”
According to reports, Or had begun working for Nvidia as an engineer in the company’s VLSI group in 2022, which is part of the firm’s networking division.
Huang went on to say that Or’s mother, Ditza, had ‘inspired us all’ with her ‘strength, courage and unwavering hope’ during the last two years.
The CEO added that employees for Nvidia in Israel had “stood with her in vigil, united in determination that Avinatan would return home safely. That unity reflected the very best of who we are.”
Huang continued: “Thousands of Nvidia employees have served with extraordinary bravery in defense of their communities during the war. Many have faced immense pain, loss, and uncertainty. Some have lost family members or loved ones.”
The letter also addressed losses from the Nvidia Israeli team, including the death of Amit Chayut, as well as Danielle Waldman and her partner.
Huang went on to write: “The losses to our Jewish, Druze, and Arab families alike have been immense. Grief knows no borders, no faiths, no divisions. We mourn together, and we hope together - for peace, understanding, and a future without fear.
“Avinatan - welcome home. Your safe return brings profound relief and joy to the entire Nvidia family. May this moment market the first step toward recovery, renewal, and lasting peace - for all who have been touched by this war.”