Chicago Teen, Natalie Raanan, Returns Home After Being Held Hostage by Hamas

A teenager from the United States who was held hostage by Hamas in Israel has returned home to Chicago, according to the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. Natalie Raanan and her mother were captured by Hamas on October 7 during a surprise raid that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people. Hamas released them on October 20 for humanitarian reasons. Although there are no details yet on when Natalie's mother will return to the US, she is expected to in the near future. The Raanans were taken hostage while they were celebrating Natalie's high school graduation and her grandmother's birthday. Prior to returning to Chicago, Natalie and her mother were taken to a military base in Israel. Judith Raanan had been receiving treatment from the Red Cross due to her poor health. The release of the mother and daughter was brokered by Qatar. Natalie's half-brother expressed gratitude to the global community for their thoughts and prayers. US President Joe Biden acknowledged the efforts made by US officials to free American citizens held captive by Hamas. Out of the 239 people kidnapped by Hamas, four have been released, and the Raanans are the only Americans. Unfortunately, a woman believed to have been taken hostage, Shani Louk, was confirmed to be dead. The region has experienced increased violence since the Hamas attack, resulting in numerous deaths.