Natalie Raanan, the American teenager kidnapped by Hamas during the terror group’s surprise attack on Israel and held for two weeks before being released, has finally returned home.
The 18-year-old was released by the terrorist organization 10 days ago, along with his mother Judith Raanan, 59, just four days before his birthday, according to ABC 7.
He arrived home in Chicago on Monday night, according to Yinam Cohen, Israel’s Consul General to the Midwest, who announced the good news at X.
“I am relieved that Natalie Raanan is back home in Chicago. His family members are waiting for his return, and today I share their joy,” he wrote.
The Raanans, who live in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Ill., were held hostage for 13 days before being released by Hamas because of Judith’s deteriorating health and helped out of Gaza by the Red Cross.
The mother and daughter duo were seen hugging family members in Israel after their release.
Natalie Raanan, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists along with her mother, has finally returned to Chicago. AP
Uri Raanan, Natalie’s father, told The Post at the time that his daughter was “emotional” but “very happy to be in Israel.”
Raanan is said to have “kept each other safe” during their captivity.
They had traveled to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s 85th birthday and celebrate the Jewish holiday season with family, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The 18-year-old was released by the terrorist organization 10 days ago, along with her mother Judith Raanan, 59. GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL Uri Raanan, Natalie’s father, told The Post at the time of their release that his daughter was “emotional” but “very happy to be in Israel. ” AP Sigal Zamir wept as he spoke at a prayer service for Judith and Natalie Raanan in Evanston, Illinois, while they were being held by Hamas.AP
More than 230 hostages remain under the control of Hamas terrorists in Gaza after the October 7 invasion, something Cohen wrote in his statement welcoming Raanan back to the United States.
“As we celebrate Natalie’s return, we remember the 239 hostages, including babies, children, women and the elderly, who are still being held by Hamas in Gaza,” he said.
He also announced that families who have arrested relatives will speak in Chicago to share their stories.
Two elderly Israelis were also released by Hamas. Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Yitzhak were released last week. Their husbands remain in captivity.
The terrorist organization said it released the two women for “humanitarian and satisfactory reasons.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
