ILLINOIS, USA — Two American citizens held by Hamas since Oct. 7 were finally released on Friday.
Hamas kidnapped Natalie and Judith Raanan at gunpoint when Hamas attacked Israel. Natalie and Judith have connections to Denver. Their family said their return back home next week is an answered prayer.
“These two Americans are now safely in the hands of Israeli authorities in Israel,” said Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State.
“Big relief, big big relief, I thank God,” said Uri Raanan, Natalie’s father.
The last time Natalie’s dad was able to confirm his daughter was alive, was when she texted him from Israel saying she was hearing gunshots and explosions.
Thirteen days later, he got to talk to her again.
“I told her ‘I love you and I miss you very much,’” Uri Raanan said. “I spoke to her for a minute or two, it was the best feeling.”
Natalie and Judith were taken to Israel after they were released.
“They look good and sound very good, very happy,” Uri Raanan said.
“I can't speak to the condition of the two hostages who were just released, first out respect for their privacy, because we haven’t had a chance, yet maybe it’s happening as we speak, to get our own team in there to evaluate them,” Blinken said.
Natalie and Judith are expected back in the U.S. next week.
“They'll fly here and I’ll meet them here at the airport,” Uri Raanan said.
They will be reunited with their loved ones, who've been non-stop praying for them.
“The Jewish faith focuses on love and focuses on the sanctity of people,” said Ben Raanan, Natalie’s brother.
Ben Raanan said it's been a horrific two weeks. He lives in Denver and 9NEWS spoke to him on Oct. 18. Ben already knew what he and his sister will do when she makes it back home.
“I would like to say that we would have some big expensive meal, but I know what she would actually want is McDonald’s, so I’ll come to her with her French fries because she loves McDonald’s French fries, and just let her know her know we are, your family is here for you,” said Ben Raanan.
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