Chicago area woman freed after taken hostage by Hamas turns 18
CHICAGO (CBS) – A North Shore woman and her mother, who were taken hostage by Hamas in the terrorist attack on Israel earlier this month, are on their way home.
It's just in time for Natalie Raanan's 18th birthday on Tuesday.
She and her mother, Judith Raanan, were visiting family in Israel when Hamas attacked the town they were staying in near the Gaza border.
Video released on Friday showed the mother and daughter moments after being freed by Hamas terrorists. The Red Cross assisted in the ground transfer from Gaza.
Family members said they will be treated at an Israeli hospital before flying home to Chicago.
The family's rabbi shared how the community will make sure Natalie is celebrated on her 18th birthday.
"For her, this has got to be a birthday that has meaning on an entirely different level, something none of us could imagine how deeply special it is for her," said Rabbi Meir Hecht, co-director of Chabad of Evanston. "She'll remember it for the rest of her life. We for our part, our community, are going to send something very special to her for this celebration, for this special day."
Hecht said it's not clear exactly when the Raanans will officially make it back home. The rabbi said he is in constant contact with their family and will plan a special Shabbat service and celebration to welcome them.