For immediate release

The events that unfolded in Israel and Palestine over the last few days are horrific, saddening and a violation of international law. I strongly condemn the horrific attacks by Hamas and am saddened by the loss of precious lives, especially on the holy day of Simchat Torah. 

Hamas targeted defenseless and innocent civilians and killed the largest number of Jewish people outside of the Holocaust in one day. It has truly been a heartbreaking past few days with deaths we hoped would never happen again. Their actions are unequivocally abhorrent and must be strongly and clearly condemned. I am shocked and disgusted by the rally held here in NY this weekend celebrating death or attacks on civilians and showing swastikas.  I condemn any demonstration that does this in the strongest possible terms. We must proceed on the basis of recognizing our shared humanity.

We must remember that Palestinian civilians are not responsible for Hamas’s actions. We must ensure we center human rights and be clear-eyed about the loss of life that will unnecessarily be inflicted upon all innocent civilians. This deadly violence has been killing and traumatizing generations of Israelis and Palestinians alike. And 11 Americans are among those we have tragically lost.

We need open discussion of the root causes of this conflict to end this violence and stop Hamas once and for all and bring us to a peaceful two-state solution. We need to acknowledge hard truths about the oppression millions of Palestinians face. 

The US and the entire global community must stand up for all life and help work towards a peaceful two-state solution. Israeli and Palestinian civilians do not deserve to be killed due to this war. And we must govern in ways that nurture humanity, not succumb to violence.

We are also aware of many members of our NY-16 community who are still in Israel and trying to get back home safely. If you or someone you know in our district is there, please contact our office so that we can connect you with the State Department and help bring you safely home. 

The Department of State has a 24/7 coordinating group communicating with U.S citizens and providing them assistance. Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, please click this link for our crisis intake form, or call 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and 606-641-0131 (local). 

While Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, we are aware that several major airlines have announced that they have suspended flights.  Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. 

U.S. citizens in Israel who have family members missing in the Gaza periphery can go to the Israel National Police’s combined assistance center at 4 HaNegev Street in Airport City. 

If you have lost someone in this devastating tragedy, may their memory be a blessing. I am sending love to you, your family, and your friends. Please take care during these heartbreaking times, and know that our office will be able to support you however you may need.