This Week, Pressley, Meng, Colleagues Urged State Dept to Use All Resources to Help Americans Leave Region, Incl. Chartered Flights

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of State’s announcement that it will pursue chartered departure assistance to American citizens seeking to leave Israel. The announcement by the State Department follows a letter by Rep. Pressley, Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), and nearly 150 colleagues urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use all tools at its disposal help get Americans out of Israel and back home to the United States, including charter flights.

“I am glad and relieved that the State Department is heeding our calls to pursue chartered flights for Americans seeking to leave Israel and Gaza,” said Rep. Pressley. “This action will undoubtedly save lives and I urge the Department to help ensure all Americans in the region are supported without delay. We must prioritize civilian safety and prevent further loss of Israeli, Palestinian and American lives.”

Those in need of assistance should fill out the State Department’s Crisis Intake form.

The letter by Reps. Pressley and Meng, which was signed by a total of 146 Members of Congress, asked for charter flights and military aircrafts to be considered as options to help evacuate U.S. citizens. With airlines cancelling most commercial flights out of Israel due to the unprecedented, heinous attack by Hamas, many Americans who are in the country have been unable to book a return trip home.

A copy of the letter to Secretary Blinken can be viewed here.

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