As Israeli security forces continue to fight Hamas militants, two Evanston residents are believed to be among more than 150 hostages being held by the terrorist organization.
An Evanston synagogue is asking for prayers for Yehudit Bat Tamar and her 19-year-old daughter Natalie, who have been reported missing in Israel amid the heavy fighting. Natalie Raanan, a 2023 graduate of Deerfield High School, was visiting Israel at the time, according to a letter sent to the school community by principal Dr. Kathryn Anderson.
"We keep Natalie and her family in our hearts, along with all the innocent lives lost, wounded and impacted by the terrorist attack," the letter read, in part. "Sadly, we know that many students and families have been impacted by the tragic events in Israel. We come together as a school community to support each other during this difficult time."
More than 1,400 Israelis and Palestinians are among the dead in the fighting, with President Joe Biden announcing that at least 11 Americans have been killed in the country.
Biden also believes Americans are among those being held hostage by Hamas.
“It is an outrage, and we will continue to show the world that the American people are unwavering in our resolve to oppose terrorism in all forms,” he said in a statement Monday.
Hamas has threatened to kill hostages if Israel continues bombing the Gaza Strip. Israel has vowed to conduct a “complete siege” of the area in response to the deadly attacks, which began over the weekend.
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The Israeli military says it has gained control of many southern towns, and is working to oust militants from the area.
Aliza Ainis, who was raised in Chicago but now lives in Tel Aviv, is among those waiting out the worst of the fighting, and says that streets are mostly deserted during the conflict.
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“I’ve been home all day. It’s very eerie outside,” she said. “Mostly only dogwalkers out, or people going to the store, getting supplies. We’ve mostly been home, nervous to leave. I feel more safe in my apartment than outside right now.”
Ainis’ mother Paula Harris is afraid for her daughter.
“I have lots of friends and family who are in Israel, and we’re feeling very vulnerable here and there,” she said. “When I talked to my daughter on Sunday morning, it was the first time I heard fear in her voice, and it really shook me to my core.”
Ainis says she is trying to be honest with her mother about the situation, and the fear she is feeling.
“I’m not really sugarcoating it to her,” she said. “I’m just telling her like it is. She’ll find out from the news, or from friends, and I’d rather it come from me.”
Michael Traison, who divides his time between Chicago and the Israel city of Petachtikva, said that he’s been told to prepare equipment that will keep him safe for up to 72 hours, gathering everything from first aid kits to water and even cash.
“This is not army against army. These were terrorists who were attacking families,” he said. “This is not just another country. This is a country built on the ashes of humanity’s worst tragedies.”
With the ongoing fighting, Ainis was asked if she had considered leaving Israel, but said that the conflict has her wary of flying.
“I don’t feel safe flying because there are rockets, and I don’t feel comfortable getting in an airplane,” she said. “I also have a dog that I don’t want to leave. I think everything needs to be played by ear. I don’t want to be here during this situation, I don’t want a war to be happening, but getting out of the country, I don’t know how safe it is either.”
The State Department says that the Biden Administration is offering Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu full support, and that they are willing to assist in pushing back Hamas’ efforts in the region.
| Dear DHS Community, It is with great sadness that I share we have received word that DHS alumna, Natalie Raanan (Class of 2023), who was visiting family in Israel, has been reported missing. Her family fears that she has been taken hostage by Hamas. Unfortunately, we have no additional information at this time. We keep Natalie and her family in our hearts, along with all the innocent lives lost, wounded and impacted by the terrorist attack. Sadly, we know that many students and families have been impacted by the tragic events in Israel. We come together as a school community to support each other during this difficult time. In light of this, we want to remind you of counseling services available to all students when they require additional support. While our counselor team works with students on academic and post-high school planning, school counselors are also trained mental health professionals who are here to support students with their social-emotional needs. Students can access their school counselor by emailing them, scheduling an appointment, or visiting their counselor during drop-in hours. If a student is in crisis or needs immediate support during the school day, that student should visit the counseling center. If the school counselor is not available, we will make sure the student meets with a school mental health professional. If your student contacts you during the school day and reports they are struggling emotionally, please encourage them to go directly to the counseling center. Parents/guardians can also call the general counseling phone (224-632-3040) and request that a counseling staff member meet with your student. Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Principal |
