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Hamas Captivity Survivor Judith Raanan Meets President-Elect Trump, Pleads for Hostages’ Return
Florida, December 12 — Judith Raanan, one of the first hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, met with President-Elect Donald Trump on Tuesday in an emotional meeting where she urged him to prioritize the return of the remaining hostages. The meeting took place at Trump’s Florida residence, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to highlight the plight of hostages still held in Gaza.
During their meeting, Judith Raanan, an Israeli-American citizen, shared her harrowing experience of being kidnapped by Hamas and held in captivity for 13 days alongside her daughter, Natalie. The two were abducted from their family home in Nahal Oz on October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing and kidnapping civilians.
In a deeply personal gesture, Judith presented Trump with a drawing she created during her time in captivity. The artwork symbolized both her suffering and her hope for the safe return of the 100 hostages — a mixture of civilians and soldiers — still held by Hamas. While sharing her experiences, Judith made a powerful plea to President-Elect Trump:
“Please do everything possible to bring the 100 hostages home — the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial.”
Judith expressed her trust in Trump’s leadership, emphasizing the need for international and diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages’ safe return. She described the horrors she and other captives endured and underscored the urgency of resolving the humanitarian crisis.
Judith Raanan’s Journey: From Captivity to Advocacy
Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie became symbols of hope after being among the first hostages to be released on October 20 as part of ongoing negotiations. Their release came just 13 days after their abduction from Nahal Oz, a kibbutz located near the Gaza border.
Shortly after returning to Israeli territory, Judith received a phone call from U.S. President Joe Biden, who congratulated her on her freedom and reunion with family. Despite her relief, Judith’s response to Biden was resolute:
“The work has only begun — we must bring everyone home immediately.”
Her advocacy has since been tireless. She has emerged as a vocal representative of the families affected by the October 7 attacks and continues to amplify their call for action.
The Hostages’ Plight and International Efforts
The October 7 Hamas attack led to the abduction of approximately 240 individuals, including Israeli citizens, dual nationals, and foreigners. While ongoing negotiations facilitated the release of a limited number of hostages — including Judith and Natalie — over 100 individuals remain in captivity. Among them are men, women, children, and elderly individuals, with families desperate for their safe return.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, an Israeli group representing the families of captives, has been working relentlessly to pressure international leaders to prioritize the issue. Judith’s meeting with Trump underscores the growing need for global collaboration to secure the release of hostages and provide closure for grieving families.
President-Elect Trump, known for his hardline foreign policy stance, has previously expressed commitment to supporting Israel. His meeting with Judith signals that the issue of hostages will be on his agenda as he prepares to assume office. Analysts note that Trump’s previous diplomatic strategies in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, reflect his willingness to engage with the region’s complexities.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
Judith Raanan’s journey from captivity to advocacy highlights the strength and resilience of survivors. Her emotional plea to President-Elect Trump represents the collective voice of hostage families who refuse to allow their loved ones to be forgotten. The drawing she presented, a testament to her suffering and hope, is now a symbolic reminder of the urgent humanitarian crisis that must be addressed.
As global leaders and humanitarian organizations continue to navigate the challenges of securing the hostages’ release, Judith’s words serve as a poignant reminder:
“We must bring everyone home — the living and the deceased — because every family deserves to be whole again.”
The meeting between Judith Raanan and President-Elect Trump marks a renewed effort to mobilize international support, ensuring that the 100 hostages still in captivity remain a top global priority.
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