EVANSTON, Ill. (WGN) — An Illinois teen who was taken hostage by Hamas during its raid on Israel earlier this month has returned home. 

Natalie Raanan, who was taken hostage during the Oct. 7 raid on Israel by Hamas, was released on Oct. 20, for humanitarian reasons after an agreement between the Palestinian militant group and the Qatari government.

Yinam Cohen, the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, said Natalie returned home Monday to Evanston, a suburb of Chicago.

  • In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)
    In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie’s recent high school graduation. (Raanan Family via AP)
  • Evanston mother and daughter taken hostage by Hamas seen with authorities following release.

“I am relieved to see Natalie back home in Chicago. Her family members have been anxiously waiting for her return, and today I am sharing their happiness,” Cohen said in a statement on Monday evening. “While we’re celebrating Natalie’s return, we remember the 239 hostages, among them babies, children, women, and the elderly, who are still held by Hamas in Gaza.“

Natalie and her mother, Judith Tai Raanan, had traveled to Nahal Oz, Israel, near the Gaza border, to celebrate a relative’s 85th birthday and Jewish holidays when the raid by Hamas took place. Currently, it is unclear when Natalie’s mother will return home. 

The announcement of their release sparked an outpouring of joy and excitement from many in the community as well as officials from around the country, including President Biden.