Congresswoman Lee Urges Assistance for Americans Seeking to Leave Israel
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV) joined Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for immediate action to ensure the safe evacuation of any American citizens seeking to depart Israel amid the ongoing war.
Since Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack that has killed over 1,000 in Israel, including at least 11 Americans, many Americans here at home in the U.S. have detailed harrowing reports of family members and friends trapped on the frontlines of the violence in Israel. A number of airlines have suspended service to and from Israel, leaving many American citizens unable to return to the United States. Recognizing this untenable situation, Congresswoman Lee and a bipartisan coalition of her colleagues have called on the State Department to use all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to ensure that every U.S. national seeking to leave Israel is able to do so safely and swiftly.
“While we appreciate the steps the Biden administration is taking to provide additional security assistance to Israel, we urge the State Department to use all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to help those Americans that remain in Israel and wish to return to the United States,” wrote the Members. “At this harrowing moment in Israel’s history, it is more important than ever that every American who is looking to return home have the opportunity to do so.”
The full text of the letter can be found here and below:
Dear Secretary Blinken,
Since Hamas’ indiscriminate attack on Israel Saturday morning, our offices have received harrowing reports from constituents who remain in Israel and are seeking to return to the United States as soon as possible. We write to express our grave concern for their wellbeing and safety. Given the rapidly escalating situation as Israel launches a counteroffensive, it is imperative that you use all tools at your disposal to return all U.S. nationals in Israel home who wish to do so.
Almost 50 years to the day of the start of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas terrorists crossed the border and began slaughtering Israelis and abducting hostages in towns in southern Israel. To date, thousands of lives—including 11 Americans—have been lost due to Hamas’ indiscriminate and brutal assault since Saturday. Hamas’ heinous actions also include taking over 150 Israeli hostages, which our offices have received reports that Americans are among those taken hostage in Gaza, including New Yorkers. It has been devastating to see the horrific accounts of those around the country taking shelter from the thousands of rockets launched from Gaza. This past weekend was meant to be one of happiness and celebration for the Jewish community. Instead, our constituents were left distraught and in tears fearing for the safety of their friends and loved ones in Israel.
While we appreciate the steps the Biden administration is taking to provide additional security assistance to Israel, we urge the State Department to use all resources at its disposal, including charter flights, to help those Americans that remain in Israel and wish to return to the United States. As you are aware, airlines have cancelled most flights out of Ben Gurion Airport, and some have suspended operations in the region. As the number of casualties continues to rise, our constituents who remain in Israel fear for their lives. We ask that you consider charter flights and military options for evacuation, simultaneously.
At this harrowing moment in Israel’s history, it is more important than ever that every American who is looking to return home has the opportunity to do so. We look forward to your quick response.
Sincerely,
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