US Mom-Daughter Duo Missing In Israel, Feared Kidnapped By Hamas

A mother and daughter from north suburban Evanston, Chicago are missing and feared to be among the dozens of people in Israel kidnapped and taken to Gaza as hostages, family members tell ABC7.

mother-daughter-hamas

What happened?

Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie are members of the Chabad of Evanston. They had been vacationing in Israel for the holiday season and were last seen staying near Gaza when the violence started. The village they were in was targeted by Hamas fighters, and they haven't been heard from since the attack.

Where and when?

Judith and Natalie Raanan were in Nahal Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel near Gaza that was surprise attacked by militants over the weekend (Saturday).

Northshore mother and daughter feared to have been taken hostage in Gaza.

They were visiting family near Gaza in Nahal Oz, which was targeted by Hamas. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/0k8lsh7jAW

¡ª Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) October 9, 2023

How did their loved ones react?

Judith is a congregant of Chabad of Evanston where Rabbi Meir Hecht said the family has not had contact from either Judith or her daughter Natalie since the attack, and they fear the worst.

"She's like extended family to us," Hecht said. "She's always bringing things over for the children, just one of those giving, friendly people." He added, "I'm in terrible pain. We just want to do something."

According to a letter sent to Natalie's school community by principal Dr. Kathryn Anderson. "We keep Natalie and her family in our hearts, along with all the innocent lives lost, wounded and impacted by the terrorist attack," the letter read, in part.

AFP

"Sadly, we know that many students and families have been impacted by the tragic events in Israel. We come together as a school community to support each other during this difficult time."

CBS 2 was told the family in the Chicago area have been in touch with the U.S. embassy as officials try to track down Judith and Natalie. But, the immediate family members of the duo haven't commented on their alleged abduction yet.