Chicago-based family escapes Gaza, finding refuge in Egypt without harm.

A family with ties to Chicago has managed to escape the dangerous situation in Gaza and find safety in Egypt. Emilee Rauschenberger, a former resident of Elgin who was raised in Bloomington, Illinois, was visiting Gaza with her Palestinian-born husband Mohammed and their five children when the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated into an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. After being stuck in Gaza for almost four weeks, they were finally able to cross the border into Egypt on November 2nd, 2023. Emilee, her husband, and their children currently reside in the United Kingdom. Emilee spoke with CBS 2’s Suzanne Le Mignot, expressing a mixture of emotions regarding their escape. While they feel relieved and happy to be out of Gaza, they also feel concerned for the many people who are still trapped there without the means to leave. Emilee had been trying to leave Gaza and cross into Egypt every day for several weeks before they were finally successful. Her father, John Rauschenberger, who lives in Florida and had previously spent many years in Chicago, received the call informing him of their safe arrival in Egypt. He expressed his overwhelming joy and relief after weeks of worry and concern. Emilee’s family plans to fly to the United Kingdom to be reunited, and her father intends to bring bags full of early Christmas gifts for his grandchildren, based on their wish lists.