Illinois mother and daughter missing in Israel; family believes they are being held hostage by Hamas
A recent graduate of Deerfield High School and her mother are believed to be hostages held by Hamas following weekend attacks in Israel and Gaza that left more than 1,500 Israelis and Palestinians dead.
Natalie Raanan and her mother, Judith, were reported missing while visiting family in Israel during the attacks, according to a letter sent to the school community by Deerfield Principal Kathryn Anderson.
“It is with great sadness that I share we have received word that DHS alumna, Natalie Raanan (Class of 2023), who was visiting family in Israel, has been reported missing.” Anderson said in the letter. “Her family fears that she has been taken hostage by Hamas.
“We keep Natalie and her family in our hearts, along with all the innocent lives lost, wounded and impacted by the terrorist attack,” the principal wrote.
Anderson noted in the letter that counseling services are available to all students.
Violence broke out Saturday following Hamas’ attack on Israel and Israel’s declaration of war. The death toll on both sides has surpassed 1,500, with thousands more injured or missing.
The Raanans, residents of Evanston, were visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a kibbutz near the Gaza border. The community was attacked by Gazan militants Saturday, according to CNN.
“My daughter has been captured,” Natalie’s father, Uri, said in a Facebook post.
President Joe Biden announced Monday that at least 11 Americans have been killed in Israel, but that many more are believed to be among those held hostage by Hamas.
____
