(NewsNation) — Among the Americans missing in the Israel-Hamas war are Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and daughter visiting family near Gaza when the attacks began.
According to their family, the last communication they had with the women was Friday, just before the onset of the attacks. Their rabbi, Meir Hecht, joined “NewsNation Now” from Chabad of Evanston, where the women attend services.
Judith and Natalie Raanan had been eagerly planning a trip to Israel for the high holiday season. Hecht said that they were excited about spending the holidays in a place with family and friends in Israel.
“She was talking about this trip for weeks and weeks, telling everyone that she was really excited,” said Hecht.
It is not confirmed if they have been taken hostage. The White House has said more than 20 Americans are unaccounted for, and it’s uncertain how many of those missing are hostages. The two women were near the Gaza Strip, specifically in the Nahal Oz kibbutz, close to Gaza, during the holiday of Sukkot, which just ended.
According to Hecht, they were in the region when the terrorists from Gaza launched door-to-door attacks on civilians in the kibbutz. Since then, Hecht said no contact has been made with Judith and Natalie Raanan.
Hecht said that Judith Raanan was a dedicated member of their synagogue. She was known for her kindness, generosity and unwavering support of the community. Judith Raanan was deeply involved in their programs and often visited families, bringing gifts and spending time with their children.
“She is a really kind, giving, sharing, generous woman who just wants to help and be there for others,” Hecht said.
Uri Raanan, Judith’s ex-husband and Natalie’s father, said he’s received zero information from either the American or Israeli governments. The last time he spoke to his daughter, she was in a bomb shelter as the attack was ongoing.
“I wish to get my daughter back home … I wish (my wife) will get home, too,” Raanan said. “They are peaceful people.”
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein, executive director of Chabad of Evanston, says Americans must remain hopeful for the safe return of hostages.
“If anyone could survive this, it would be her,” Klein said of Natalie, whom he described as a caring, kind and loving individual.
“She’s the first person who volunteers to help. When she walks in the room, her eyes light up,” Klein said.