Judith Raanan, a former hostage taken during the Hamas invasion in Israel, recounted her harrowing experience at a B’nai Abraham Chabad event in Philadelphia last night. The night began with a vibrant outdoor buffet featuring traditional Israeli cuisine, leading into the historic synagogue for the main event. Rabbi Yochonon Goldman, the congregation’s leader, introduced Raanan as the evening’s key speaker.
On October 7, 2023, Raanan had traveled to Israel with her daughter, Natalie, to celebrate her mother’s 85th birthday at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. The day quickly turned into a nightmare as they were caught in the violence of the attack.
Raanan narrated the moment of their abduction. A rocket blast sent her into a safe room, where her daughter was already hiding. As they heard gunshots and voices in Arabic, they realized they were under attack. Her door was kicked open, and they were seized as hostages despite Raanan’s desperate attempts to negotiate with her limited Arabic skills.
She recalled asking to put on pants under her nightgown for modesty, pin up her hair due to the heat, and drink some water. Surprisingly, she felt a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
While they were taken to a Gazan hospital as their first stop, Raanan described passing by the bodies of the dead and wounded, witnessing nurses ululating in a display of cultural joy despite the surrounding tragedy. Their journey continued to another hospital and ultimately to the apartment where they would spend most of their time in captivity.
During their ordeal, Raanan experienced moments of despair, admitting that there were times she wished to give up. “I don’t want to imagine what they’re going through,” she said, reflecting on the current hostages still in captivity.
Throughout her trials, her faith played a crucial role in her endurance. Raanan cited an early learning experience with a rabbi in Philadelphia that bolstered her belief in God’s presence. On the eve of the attack, she had read a passage from Deuteronomy that seemed to foreshadow the impending disaster, providing her with a sense of purpose and strength.
Raanan shared how her captors, in their misunderstanding of her identity, inadvertently affirmed her Jewish faith. They reminded her that she could not escape her Jewishness, which became a source of strength for her.
The evening prior to her release, Raanan envisioned a conversation with her deceased grandfather, who assured her that news of her freedom would come at 6 a.m. To her astonishment, it came true, allowing her and her daughter to leave Gaza.
Raanan’s message to the audience was one of hope and resilience. She urged everyone to keep faith and to do something meaningful for God, even if it was only observing Shabbat for a brief period. “No matter how far you go away from Hashem, there is a sparkle inside of you that is always lit,” she emphasized.
Believing she was chosen for a purpose, Raanan said, “We, the hostages, were chosen to spread the word of Hashem.” Her passionate speech ended to a standing ovation, reflecting the profound impact of her story.
Rabbi Goldman echoed her sentiment, remarking that Raanan’s faith not only helped her survive but also allowed her to emerge even stronger with a message that could inspire others. He expressed hope that her story would motivate the audience to nurture their own faith.
The event also featured Adam and Alli Gilberg, who were honored for their contributions to the community. They highlighted the importance of security and safety during such uncertain times, encouraging others to appreciate the moment and the relationships they have.
Attendee Elana emphasized the need for awareness regarding the plight of hostages. “I’m happy that the hostage situation is being brought to light and everybody is made aware that it’s still happening,” she stated.
In addition to sharing her story, Raanan has taken to selling her artwork to raise funds for planting bushes at the destroyed kibbutzim, hoping to encourage former residents to return. Before concluding the event, Raanan shared one final message of love for the Jewish community: “I love you all,” she said, leaving a lasting impression on the audience that gathered to hear her story.
Dinah Bucholz is a freelance writer.
image source from：jewishexponent
