Chicago area mother, daughter held hostage in Gaza released by Hamas
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Relief for the family of two North Shore women held hostage by Hamas.
Natalie and Judith Raanan were finally free after being released by their hostage takers on Friday.
Natalie and Judith Raanan first to be freed
As CBS Chicago's Charlie De Mar reported, Natalie and Judith Raanan were the first hostages freed by Hamas - creating a sense of relief from those who know and love them in the Evanston area.
Natalie's family says both Judith and Natalie completed medical exams by the Red Cross. Even as they are excited to welcome them home, their thoughts and focus remain with the hostages who are not on their way home.
Judith and Natalie Raanan, who recently graduated from Deerfield High School, were in Israel for the 85th birthday of Judith's mother when they were both taken hostage nearly two weeks ago when Hamas militants stormed the same community they were visiting.
Natalie's father, Uri Raanan, spoke to the news media Friday night after news of his daughter's release.
"I'm going to hug her and kiss her, and it's going to be the best day of my life," he said.
Uri Raanan added that he spoke with Natalie on Friday and that "she sounds very good. She looks good. She was happy and she is waiting to come home."
The International Committee of the Red Cross says it played a major role in facilitating this release by transporting Natalie and Judith from Gaza to Israel.
Agonizing wait is over
It's been an agonizing stretch for family members who live in the Chicago area. They said last week that not being able to hear directly from them was the hardest part.
On Friday, Rabbi Meir Hecht, who is the Raanan's rabbi, spoke in Evanston following their release.
"While we are thankful for Judith and Natalie coming out of the hands of murderers, we also want everyone to pray for the rest of the hostages over 200 of them, and to continue to do acts of goodness and kindness in Israel," he said.
On this Shabbat Friday, the rabbi and congregation lit candles as they do every week, but this week, it was done with a special prayer for the mother and daughter who will soon be on their way home.
There are reports that part of the reason for the release was due to health issues with Judith, but it's unclear what those ailments might be.
Natalie's uncle Avi Zamir in a statement said:
"We need to stay strong, united, and supportive of our government in their effort in bringing all of the hostages back home. We need to help our allies in the region to bring this war to an end."
The Raanan family added their personal thanks to President Joe Biden, who spoke with the family via Zoom just last week. We've learned that Biden also spoke with Natalie and Judith following their release.
A new picture was released of the two speaking with Biden Friday evening. They were immediately taken to a military base in Israel to be reunited with their family.
Natalie and Judith were with the Israeli army on Friday night. Uri said on top of everything, he is looking forward to celebrating Natalie's 18th birthday at home.
