Rep. Scholten Urges State Department to Help Americans Flee Violence in Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers penned a letter to U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken urging the agency to allow for evacuation flights for American citizens fleeing Israel amid terrorist attacks by Hamas.

“As you are aware, airlines have canceled 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,” wrote the lawmakers.

“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 lawmakers concluded.

In the letter, the bipartisan group requested that Secretary Blinken direct the U.S. Embassy in Israel’s chief of mission to submit an evacuation request so President Biden can issue an executive order allowing for evacuation flights from Israel. The group also requested the agency help charter flights for Americans out of Israel in the event that an emergency order is not feasible.

Read the full letter below and here:

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 request an evacuation of U.S. nationals in Israel.

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 9 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 to help those Americans that remain in Israel return to the United States. As you are aware, airlines have canceled 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. 

Given the fluid situation on the ground, we request that you immediately direct the U.S. Embassy’s chief of mission in Israel to submit an evacuation request so that the president can issue an executive order directing a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). This EO would bring in the Department of Defense to help evacuate U.S. citizens. If this is not feasible at this moment, we request you begin the process to arrange charter flights to bring Americans home. As our allies and partners begin to explore options for their respective citizens that remain in Israel, we urge the Department to consider NEO and charter flights, simultaneously. 

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. We look forward to your quick response.