Rep. Gillen Statement on State Department Reopening Crisis Intake Form for Americans in Israel

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY - Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released a statement following the State Department's decision to reopen its Crisis Intake form for U.S. citizens in Israel. Last week, Rep. Gillen, alongside U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and 19 of her House colleagues, demanded U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio resume emergency evacuations and assistance for U.S. citizens in Israel after abruptly halting the State Department's crisis response, including shutting down the form.

"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 the letter led by Rep. Gillen to Rubio, the lawmakers demanded that the Department develop a clear plan for resuming charter flights, reopen its Crisis Intake form, activate the Department's Crisis Task Force, and provide clear guidance to Americans in Israel attempting to return home safely.

The State Department's Crisis Intake form enables U.S. citizens and their families in danger zones to request emergency assistance, such as evacuation and repatriation. It facilitates communication for departure options, including charter flights and ground transport, and allows the Department to manage case data, track individuals, and provide safety updates.