Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for New Jersey Governor, held a virtual meeting with Elie Y. Katz, Deputy Mayor of Teaneck, who remains stuck in Israel along with his wife and children. The family traveled there two weeks ago for a wedding and has been unable to return due to the ongoing conflict, which has severely limited travel options for American citizens.

Ciattarelli noted that Katz’s experience reflects a much wider issue affecting countless U.S. citizens overseas. Many Americans, including large numbers from New Jersey, are currently stranded without a clear path home. Travel disruptions, safety concerns, and lack of commercial flights have made it nearly impossible for them to leave the region.

To address this crisis, Ciattarelli pointed to efforts by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, which is arranging evacuation flights and cruise ship departures. He urged any American in Israel seeking to return home to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at mytravel.state.gov/s/step. Those who sign up will receive direct updates and instructions as options become available.