U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall’s office announces efforts to help evacuate Kansans stuck in Israel
Mipro, Kansas Reflector (October 11, 2023)
TOPEKA, Kan. — At the state and federal level, Kansas government officials continue to condemn the escalating conflict in Israel.
On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall announced his office’s ongoing efforts to evacuate Kansans stuck in Israel. Marshall’s office has already assisted four Americans stranded in Israel since the fighting began over the weekend.
With all commercial flights grounded, the four were moved to a hotel bomb shelter in Jerusalem. Marshall’s office reported the four landed safely in Turkey Monday, after office officials filed inquiries with the U.S. Department of State.
“Sen. Marshall’s office has since received multiple calls to help Kansans reach safety,” the news release reads. “Our office stands ready to assist ALL Kansans in evacuation efforts to get everyone home safely from the heartbreaking situation in Israel.”
Marshall, along with fellow Kansas Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, pledged support for Israel on Monday, following the start of the Palestinian militant group Hamas’ multi-pronged attack over the weekend. Since the fighting began five days ago, the death toll has been steadily rising in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has led to more than 1,000 fatalities so far, including an estimated 22 American citizens, according to national news reporting.
Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach jointly released a statement against the attack on Monday.
“Like all Kansans, we are sickened and angered by the images and accounts of Hamas terrorists attacking, killing, kidnapping, and brutalizing Israeli men, women, and children,” the statement read.
“We condemn these acts of terrorism and extend our deepest sympathies to the Israeli people. We want Kansans to know that their law enforcement, emergency management, and homeland security officials are closely watching the conflict and guarding against any potential threats to the safety of our Jewish communities.”
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach had the Memorial Hall office building in Topeka lit in blue and white colors to show support for Israel.
