18-year-old, Natalie Raanan from Chicago is one of the U.S. citizens kidnapped, taken to Gaza and held hostage by Hamas

18-year-old Natalie Raanan from Chicago is one of the U.S. citizens taken to Gaza and held hostage by Hamas.

18-year-old Natalie Raanan from Chicago is one of the U.S. citizens taken to Gaza and held hostage by Hamas.

She and her mother Judith were both kidnapped while visiting family members.

“Her family fears that she has been taken hostage by Hamas,” Anderson said. “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.”

Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Raanan’s mother, Judith, is also missing and neither have been heard from since around noon Saturday when Hamas launched its offensive. A North Shore mother and daughter are among those missing in Israel following this weekend’s surprise attack by Hamas.

Family and friends fear they were taken hostage in Gaza. CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar spoke to a family rabbi.

One of the missing women lives in north suburban Evanston. Her rabbi told CBS 2 she was in Israel with her daughter, visiting family for the high holidays. The village they were in was targeted by Hamas fighters, and they haven’t been heard from since the attack.

Anderson reminded students that counseling services are available to all students for additional support “during this difficult time.” Students in crisis are encouraged to visit the counseling center for immediate support. If a school counselor is not available, a school mental health professional will be available. Parents can also call the general counseling number at 224-632-3040 on behalf of students and request a counseling staff member.

Judith is a congregant of Chabad of Evanston where Rabbi Meir Hecht said the family has not had contact from either Judith or her daughter Natalie since the attack, and they fear the worst.

“Apparently from the information that we have at this time, it seems like they’ve been abducted, the two of them, mom and daughter to Gaza,” Hecht said. “And we are praying for their well-being and for their safety of all of our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.”

Loved ones described Judith as a generous and giving woman, and they’re asking for any information on the Raanans’ physical condition and whereabouts.