Congresswoman Laura Gillen said on Mar. 24 that the U.S. State Department has reopened its Crisis Intake form for American citizens in Israel, following calls from lawmakers to resume emergency support for those seeking to return home.
The move comes after Gillen, along with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and 19 other House members, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week to restore the department’s crisis response services, which had been halted without warning. Lawmakers argued that closing the intake form limited Americans’ access to evacuation assistance during a critical time.
“After calling on Secretary Rubio to reopen the State Department’s Crisis Intake form for U.S. citizens in Israel, the Department has now done just that,” said Rep. Gillen. “This critical resource should have never been closed in the first place, and I’m glad Americans have better access to the support they deserve to return safely home. Now, the State Department must do more to bring Americans back to the U.S. in their time of need, including restarting charter flights and activating the Department’s Crisis Task Force to assist those who wish to depart Israel.”
In a letter led by Gillen addressed to Secretary Rubio, lawmakers asked for a clear plan from the department regarding charter flights resumption and reactivation of its Crisis Task Force, as well as guidance for Americans attempting safe passage out of Israel.
The Crisis Intake form is used by U.S. citizens and their families located in danger zones who need emergency help such as evacuation or repatriation services. The tool helps facilitate communication about departure options like charter flights or ground transportation while allowing officials at the department to track cases and provide safety updates.
Gillen concluded her statement by urging further action from federal authorities so all Americans wishing to leave Israel can do so safely.
