The number of Americans held hostage by Hamas is unknown.
U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and his team were in Jerusalem when Hamas began attacking Israel on Saturday. Representative Dan Goldman of New York was in Israel with his wife and three children for a family Bar Mitzvah.
Senator Booker stated, “I was in Israel when the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas started on Saturday. My team and I are now safe, but like many, we are shaken, angered, and heartbroken by the hundreds killed, the thousands injured, those taken hostage, and all who are directly affected by these sickening terrorist attacks.”
He added, “After this experience, more than ever, I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue supporting Israel’s security and ensuring stability in the region—and I hope one day soon, a long-term and just peace in the region.”
Representative Goldman’s family sheltered inside a stairwell in their hotel until they were able to safely depart for New York. He said he would be calling on Congress to replenish and expand the Iron Dome, the part of Israel’s air defense system that defends against many short-range rockets and missiles in mid-air.
Representative Goldman said, “Our experience was traumatic, but of course it is nothing compared to so many Israelis down in the south, just massacred with barbarism that we have not seen.”
Many Americans remain stranded in Israel, including two separate church groups from Alabama and a 32-member delegation of law enforcement officials from New York who were in Israel for counterterrorism training. The State Department officials report an unspecified number of others remain unaccounted for, and that there are Americans among the hostages being held by Hamas.
The David Ben Gurion Airport remains open, despite attacks. American Airlines is halting flights until Friday, Delta until Saturday, and United Airlines has halted them “until conditions allow them to resume.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as they consider ways to support Israel.
- For representatives in the House as they deliberate over whom to elect as the next Speaker.
- For the people and the leaders of Israel as they respond to the terrorist attacks of Hamas.
- For the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9).
Sources: CBN, CNN, NPR
