Meng Urges State Department to Help Get Her Constituents Out of Israel and Back Home to Queens

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today called on the State Department to help get her constituents out of Israel and back home to Queens. With most flights canceled or sold out due to the attacks, many of the Congresswoman’s constituents who are in Israel are unable to book their return to New York City, and this morning, she sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to do all he can to ensure their safe arrival home.

“Since Hamas’ indiscriminate attack on Israel Saturday morning, my office has received harrowing reports from constituents who remain in Israel and are seeking to return to the United States as soon as possible,” Meng wrote. “I write to express my sincere concern for their wellbeing and safety. While I appreciate the steps the Biden administration is taking to provide additional security assistance to Israel, I 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 cancelled most flights out of Ben Gurion Airport, and some have suspended operations in the region. As the number of casualties continues to rise, my constituents who remain in Israel fear for their lives. 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.”

In her letter, Meng asked the Secretary for updates on ensuring that commercial flights remain accessible to all Americans who remain in Israel, and to consider other options for evacuation including chartered flights or military aircraft.

A copy of Meng’s letter can be viewed here.