07/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2025 21:35
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the welcome news that a Spartanburg family has been safely extracted from Syria. Desiree Gomez, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary School, her husband Mohamad Shokair and their daughter Salma had been caught in the middle of fighting in Syria while visiting family.
Graham's office was in touch with the family's relatives in the United States, working with the U.S. State Department to provide for their safe return home.
"I just received the great news that Desiree, an assistant principal at Lyman Elementary, her husband and their daughter have been safely extracted from Syria. My office had been deeply involved and closely monitoring this operation.
"The family was on a visit to their relatives in Syria and were caught in the chaos and fighting.
"I want to profusely thank The Grey Bull Rescue Foundation for this daring rescue effort, risking their lives to bring this family to safety. At an appropriate time, I intend to do more to recognize the Foundation's selfless mission to bring hope and safety to Americans in harm's way.
"I urge all Americans to pay close attention to all State Department travel advisories before making any trips - even if it is family related.
"Again, I am so grateful to all those who assisted in this endeavor to bring this family safely back home to South Carolina."
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