Newly freed American hostages Judith and Natalie Raanan were lovingly embraced by their family after being freed by Hamas, a moving photo shows.
The Chicago-area mother and daughter were seen hugging their relatives tightly, including Judith’s sister Saray Cohen and mother Tamar Leviatan, whose 85th birthday celebration is what prompted the duo to travel to Israel.
The image was posted on Facebook on Saturday by Judith’s sister.
“There aren’t enough hearts in the world for this photo,” one social media commenter wrote beneath the photo of Judith, 59, and her daughter Natalie, 17, which was taken shortly after the women were transferred. from the Gaza Strip. to Israel for the Red Cross.
“I was excited,” Uri Raanan, Natalie’s father, said in an interview with The Post on Saturday. “She said she is doing well and very happy to be in Israel.”
She said she spoke to her daughter on Friday shortly after she and her mother were freed and reunited with family and friends in Israel.
“Our loved ones appear to be in good health (sic), but there is a long road ahead toward healing,” he said, adding that he did not know when they would return to the United States. “During this time, we ask for your understanding to allow us to heal as a family privately and ensure our loved ones can remain the center of all our care.”
Raanan thanked the Israel Defense Forces, the FBI, and the governments of Israel and the United States.
Judith Raanan (left) and her daughter Natalie hug their loved ones after their release from Hamas captivity. Saray Cohen/Facebook
“We know that many in the community have been grieving with us this week,” he said.
In a previous interview with Fox News, the 71-year-old said he had “no idea” why Hamas decided to release his wife and daughter.
“I think it’s a matter of luck,” he said.
Follow The Post’s live blog for the latest on Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The American women were captured by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 massacre in southern Israel and were released on Friday.
“So much happiness,” wrote Shulamit Etzioni in a comment followed by three emjois of the Israeli flag and two hearts. “And I hope we get more happy photos of [hostages] that he will be released without conditions.”
According to reports, there are an estimated 210 hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Natalie and Judith Raanan are escorted by Israeli military after being released from Gaza.AP Mother and daughter, Judith and Natalie Raanan, were captured by Hamas on October 7 and released almost two weeks later.AP
“A photo. No words needed,” wrote Julie Alon, posting her comments minutes after the photo was posted on the Facebook page, created to raise awareness about the kidnapping of the two women.
The Qatari government reportedly helped negotiate the deal for his release.
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“In response to Qatar’s efforts, the Al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons and to demonstrate to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his fascist administration are false. and unfounded. ” the ad said, according to the Times of Israel.
The women were released due to Judith’s deteriorating health, the newspaper reported.
One expert warned that Hamas released the women for “calculated reasons.”
Natalie and her mother Judith Raanan speak with President Biden after his liberation from Gaza on Friday.AP
“Hamas doesn’t have a shred of humanity in its body,” former FBI agent and hostage team expert Christopher O’Leary told The Post.
“I am happy with your joy,” Lilah Yazdi posted. “This is very exciting! Hopefully these will be the first swallows until they are all returned.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn