Two American women, Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie Raanan, have been released by Hamas after being held captive for nearly two weeks. The community in Evanston, Illinois, where they reside, is ecstatic about their return. Judith and Natalie had traveled to Israel to celebrate Judith's mother's 85th birthday and to observe the Jewish holiday season with family. The news of their abduction devastated the Evanston community, as they were among the hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Natalie had managed to text her father that they were hiding and trying to stay safe amidst the chaos. Natalie, a recent graduate of Deerfield High School, was planning to take a gap year before college and was interested in fashion and interior design. She was described as a bright and charming individual who was a true friend, loyal, and committed. Natalie and her family were supporters of activist Shaun King and had protested against police brutality in the United States together.

Judith, known as Yehudit in Hebrew, was an esthetician and a talented painter. She was deeply involved in the local Chicago community and loved to share her thoughts, knowledge, dreams, and experiences with others. Despite living in Evanston, Judith often longed for her home country of Israel and missed the energy and connection she felt with Israelis. She became more religiously observant as she aged and wanted her daughter to feel connected to Israel as well.

The release of Judith and Natalie Raanan by Hamas was announced on Friday, citing humanitarian reasons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed their release and stated that there was no exchange made for their freedom. The Raanans were reunited with their family at a military base in central Israel. Loved ones and community members expressed their relief and gratitude for their safe return. It was described as a miracle, and even President Joe Biden expressed his joy at their release.

The ordeal faced by Judith and Natalie Raanan highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Hamas militants stormed Kibbutz Nahal Oz, capturing over 200 hostages, including the Raanans. The Israeli government condemned the attack, and Israeli forces worked together with Brigadier General Gal Hirsch to ensure the safe return of the hostages. The release of the Raanans was seen as a response to Qatari mediation efforts and a challenge to the claims made by the Biden administration regarding Hamas.

The community in Evanston, Illinois, celebrated the return of Judith and Natalie Raanan, who were described as kind, talented artists. Judith was known for her devotion to her faith and her willingness to help those in need. Natalie, a lover of travel, had a promising future ahead of her in the creative fields. The release of the Raanans brought both anguish and joy to their loved ones, with the realization that there are still many others in captivity. President Biden expressed his happiness at their release and his empathy for the suffering they endured. The events surrounding the Raanans' release serve as a reminder of the ongoing conflicts and the impact they have on innocent lives.