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NEW DELHI: The two American hostages released by Hamas were identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter duo from suburban Chicago. Both are dual US-Israeli citizens.
Judith and Natalie Raanan were visiting family in Israel near the Gaza border when they were caught up in the conflict. They were staying in a community called Nahal Oz, a kibbutz that was attacked by Hamas. Natalie Raanan had recently graduated from Deerfield High School in north suburban Chicago. On October 7, shortly after the bombing began, Natalie texted her family to inform them of their safety. She mentioned, “We’re all fine, yes indeed. Mommy’s room that she was sleeping in got bombed, but we are now transferring to another guest house where there is a shelter.”
Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by US and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother had said.
Uri Raanan, the father of Natalie, said that he spoke to his daughter by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” Uri Raanan, the father of Natalie, told AP. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”
The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith Raanan.
Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan sai
The reason for the release of Judith and Natalie Raanan, as per a message on a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel, was for “humanitarian reasons.”
The release of the hostages was met with immense relief and joy by their family. Avi Zamir, Natalie’s uncle, expressed his gratitude towards President Biden and the state department for their efforts in securing the hostages’ release.
US President Biden personally spoke with the two former hostages, assuring them of the government’s full support as they recover and heal from the traumatic experience. He shared a photo of their call on Twitter, expressing his and First Lady Jill Biden’s continued concern for the families of unaccounted-for Americans.
The release of the Raanans came as a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
(With inputs from agencies)
Judith and Natalie Raanan were visiting family in Israel near the Gaza border when they were caught up in the conflict. They were staying in a community called Nahal Oz, a kibbutz that was attacked by Hamas. Natalie Raanan had recently graduated from Deerfield High School in north suburban Chicago. On October 7, shortly after the bombing began, Natalie texted her family to inform them of their safety. She mentioned, “We’re all fine, yes indeed. Mommy’s room that she was sleeping in got bombed, but we are now transferring to another guest house where there is a shelter.”
Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by US and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother had said.
Uri Raanan, the father of Natalie, said that he spoke to his daughter by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” Uri Raanan, the father of Natalie, told AP. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”
The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith Raanan.
Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan sai
The reason for the release of Judith and Natalie Raanan, as per a message on a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel, was for “humanitarian reasons.”
The release of the hostages was met with immense relief and joy by their family. Avi Zamir, Natalie’s uncle, expressed his gratitude towards President Biden and the state department for their efforts in securing the hostages’ release.
US President Biden personally spoke with the two former hostages, assuring them of the government’s full support as they recover and heal from the traumatic experience. He shared a photo of their call on Twitter, expressing his and First Lady Jill Biden’s continued concern for the families of unaccounted-for Americans.
The release of the Raanans came as a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
(With inputs from agencies)
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