Newly released American hostages Judith and Natalie Raanan were in the loving embrace of their family after being freed by Hamas, a moving photo shows.
The Chicago-area mother and daughter were seen tightly hugging their relatives, 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 to Facebook Saturday by Judith’s sister.
“There are not enough hearts in the world for this picture,” wrote one social media commenter under the photograph of Judith, 59, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, which was taken shortly after the women were transferred from the Gaza Strip to Israel by the Red Cross.
“She was emotional,” Uri Raanan, Natalie’s father, said in an interview with The Post Saturday. “She said she is OK and very happy to be in Israel.”
He said he spoke to his daughter Friday shortly after she and her mother were released and reunited with family and friends in Israel.
“Our loved ones appear to be in good health condition (sic), but there is a long road ahead to healing,” he said, adding he did not know when they would return to the US. “During this time, we ask for your understanding in allowing us to heal as a family privately and to ensure that our loved ones can remain the focus of our full attention.”
Raanan thanked the Israeli Defense Forces, the FBI and both the Israeli and US governments.
Judith Raanan (left) and daughter Natalie embrace 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 an earlier 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.
The American women were captured by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 massacre in southern Israel, and were released Friday.
“How much happiness,” wrote Shulamit Etzioni in a comment followed by three Israeli flag emjois and two hearts. “And may we get more happy photos from [hostages] that will be released without any conditions.”
There are an estimated 210 hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, according to reports.
Natalie and Judith Raanan are escorted by Israeli military after they were released from Gaza. AP
Mother and daughter, Judith and Natalie Raanan, were captured by Hamas on Oct. 7 and released nearly two weeks later. AP“One picture. No words needed,” wrote Julie Alon, posting her comments minutes after the photo was posted to the Facebook page, set up to raise awareness of the kidnapping of the two women.
The government of Qatar helped broker the deal for their release, according to reports.
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“In response to Qatari efforts, Al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons, and to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his fascist administration are false and baseless,” the announcement read, according to the Times of Israel.
The women were released due to Judith’s declining health, the newspaper reported.
One expert cautioned that Hamas released the women for “calculated reasons.”
Natalie and her mother Judith Raanan speak to President Biden after their release from Gaza on Friday. AP“Hamas does not have a humanitarian bone in their body,” former FBI agent and hostage team expert Christopher O’Leary told The Post.
“I am happy with your joy,” posted Lilah Yazdi. “This is so exciting! Hopefully these are the first swallows until they are all returned.”
