A mother and daughter from the North Shore are currently missing after the unexpected strike by Hamas in Israel. The women have been identified as Judith and Natalie Raanan, respectively.
One of the missing women lives in Evanston’s north suburban neighborhood, according to their rabbi. She was traveling to Israel with her daughter to celebrate the high holidays with her family.
They haven’t been in touch with anyone since Hamas fighters attacked the area where they were staying. Tragically, there have now been 11 fatalities among Americans. When Nahal Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel close to Gaza, was attacked by militants, Judith and Natalie Raanan were there.
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Who is Natalie Raanan?
Natalie Raanan, a recent graduate from Deerfield High School in 2023, is one of the Americans currently missing in Israel, following an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas this past weekend.
The school community received this information through email on Monday night from Principal Dr. Kathryn Anderson. She explained that Evanston resident Raanan, 18, was at the time visiting family in Israel.
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Anderson in a statement said, “Her family fears that she has been taken hostage by Hamas. Unfortunately, we have no additional information at this time. We keep Natalie and her family in our hearts, along with all the innocent lives lost, wounded and impacted by the terrorist attack.”
Since the attack, Judith, a Chabad of Evanston member, and her daughter Natalie have been missing. Concern for their safety is mounting.
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As per reports, it appears that the mother and daughter have both been transported to Gaza. Judith is renowned for her warmth and generosity. The family is requesting any updates on their whereabouts and current condition.
