U.S. Mother and Daughter Reported Missing in Israel; Family Alleges Hamas Has Taken Them Captive

Judith Raanan and her adolescent daughter, Natalie Raanan, were enthusiastic about their trip to Israel, intending to partake in an 85th birthday celebration for a family member as well as observe the Jewish holiday season, stated their spiritual leader.

As they journeyed, the mother-daughter duo had been regularly updating their family on their experiences, relishing what Rabbi Meir Hecht described as “a uniquely meaningful time between mother and daughter.”

However, communication ceased from Judith and Natalie approximately a week ago, coinciding with an unexpected attack initiated by Hamas. The local community north of Chicago where they reside is deeply concerned, suspecting that they may be among an estimated 150 individuals who have been kidnapped by Hamas militants.

“We were devastated to learn that Judith and her daughter Natalie have gone missing and are likely captives in Gaza,” mentioned Hecht. “It is as though an assault has been made on our entire community.”

Additional Context

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The Raanans were last known to be celebrating Simchat Torah at Nahal Oz, an Israeli kibbutz located approximately one mile (1.61 kilometers) from the Gaza border.

Natalie Raanan, who is 17 years old and a recent high school graduate, had been anticipating a leisure period and the opportunity to visit family abroad, noted her uncle, Avi Zamir, during a community gathering in Evanston on a recent Thursday evening.

“She is a compassionate individual. Absolutely endearing. An animal lover,” Avi Zamir commented. “Our thoughts are dominated by concern for her safety. We hold her in our prayers, hoping she remains united with her mother.”

Choking back emotion, Natalie Raanan’s aunt, Sigal Zamir, expressed, “I fervently pray for their safe return. They are devoid of malice, filled with love, and are completely innocent.”

At a Thursday evening prayer vigil in Evanston, Illinois, Sigal Zamir found solace in the company of community members. The occasion was specifically organized for Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, who are missing since their visit to Nahal Oz during the festival of Simchat Torah. Sigal is the sibling of Natalie’s father, Uri.

Prior to departing for Israel, Judith Raanan left a pink prayer book with Yehudis Hecht, wife of Rabbi Meir Hecht and a close friend of Judith, intended for the Hechts’ 7-year-old daughter who has a fondness for the color.

“Judith, our thoughts are consumed by your tenacity, optimism, love, munificence, spirituality, and vigor,” Yehudis Hecht expressed. “We recognize your resilience and ardently pray for your imminent safe return alongside your beloved daughter Natalie.”

Reporting from Chicago is Savage, who is a part of the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is an altruistic national service program aimed at situating journalists in local editorial rooms to cover underreported issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Missing U.S. Mother and Daughter in Israel

More about Missing U.S. Mother and Daughter in Israel

• Report for America Statehouse News Initiative
• Simchat Torah: Significance and Observance
• Nahal Oz: Geographical and Political Overview
• U.S. State Department Advisory on Travel to Israel
• Hostage Situation Protocols and Challenges in Gaza
• Hamas: An Organizational Profile
• Missing Persons: Steps and Procedures
• Community Response to Missing Persons Cases
• The Psychological Impact of Kidnapping and Hostage Situations
• U.S. and Israel Relations: Diplomatic and Security Concerns