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Press Release

Rep. Cuellar Provides Update on Israel: All Laredoans Have Successfully Exited Israel

The remaining group of Laredoans traveled by land from Israel to Jordan, then flew from Jordan to Qatar

Washington | Arturo C. Olivarez, DC Press Secretary (956-970-1441), October 15, 2023

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following update on U.S. citizens in Israel amid the Israel/Hamas conflict:

“I have personally spoken with the last remaining group of Laredoans who were stuck in Israel. I am glad to say they are safe and just landed in Qatar. Since we first learned that our folks were in Israel when conflict broke out, my office and I have been in constant communication with them through calls, texts, and emails. I have personally spoken with the group leader, Gilberto De Leon, and I assigned five of my staffers to work on this, including my Chief of Staff, to ensure they get home safely,” said Dr. Cuellar. “The last group of Laredoans traveled by land from Israel to Jordan, then flew from Jordan to Qatar. I spoke with the State Department to notify U.S. officials that the group would be traveling, and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan promptly made contact with the group. I also communicated with the political advisor to King Abdullah II of Jordan and asked that our Jordanian allies keep a watchful eye out for the group during their visit.”

Dr. Cuellar continued: “Thank you to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassies in Israel and Jordan for working with us to get our people home. I am monitoring the situation in Israel closely as more Americans exit the country. If you or a loved one are seeking assistance with exiting Israel, please use these Israel crisis response resources. My office is here to serve you, so please do not hesitate to call upon me.”

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