From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

October 13, 2023

Dear JOHN,

This week, I continued my work to break through the logjam in Washington and ensure the federal government continues to meet the needs of our allies and our community. Read more below.

I Stand with Israel

This past week, we all watched in horror the unjustifiable and indefensible acts of pure evil perpetrated by the terrorist organization Hamas on the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Heartbreak and sorrow do not begin to describe my feelings in the wake of these vicious and inhuman acts of terrorism.

My family and I are praying for the thousands of Israeli victims killed and injured during this relentless violence, and I pray for the safe return of those taken hostage by Hamas.

I stand unequivocally with Israel, and I support Israel taking the necessary action to defend its country and protect its people. And I will continue to work alongside my colleagues in Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure Israel has the support and assistance necessary to do so.

With the emergency security situation continuously evolving, I want to share some important information for American citizens in Israel.

My office stands ready to assist U.S. citizens and their families during the ongoing conflict in Israel. If you are an American citizen currently in Israel—or traveling anywhere abroad—you should enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for ongoing updates.

The latest security alerts can be viewed here.

The State Department also has a 24/7 coordinating group that is working to assist U.S. citizens. Those seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out this form or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.

Additionally, beginning today, the U.S. Department of State will arrange charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to book commercial transit and seek a safe means of departing Israel. From these locations, individuals will be able to make their own onward travel arrangements to the destination of their choice. These initial transportation options will be augmented in the coming days.

Senior U.S. State Department officials are actively working with airline carriers and international partners on how best to provide additional options to U.S. citizens seeking to depart Israel or conduct onward travel to the United States.

U.S. citizens in need of assistance should complete the crisis intake form. The U.S. State Department will have more to share in the coming days and will provide updates to U.S. citizens who have registered through the form as the situation evolves.

Standing in Solidarity with Our Jewish Community

Rep. Morelle and other local leaders join in a prayer vigil at Temple B'rith Kodesh

Earlier this week, I joined thousands of members of our local Jewish community in a vigil at Temple B’rith Kodesh. Together, we mourned the innocent lives lost and prayed for those caught in the crucible of war and the people of Israel.

May God bless and keep those we’ve lost, may He grace those still among us with His holy comfort, and may He bless and watch over the people of Israel.

Continuing the Fight Against Cancer

Today is the 13th day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day—two reasons I’m thinking of my daughter, Lauren, who battled Triple-Negative Breast Cancer with incredible courage and tenacity.

I know firsthand the toll this disease takes on so many families, and my heart goes out to everyone affected.

Throughout my career, I’ve been a staunch advocate for strengthening access to support and care for those with metastatic breast cancer, and this work continues while I serve in Washington. Working alongside the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, I'm proud to continue advocating for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act and other critical legislation to help make screenings and treatments more accessible for everyone battling cancer.

Rest assured: together, we can—and will—make a difference.

Supporting Cybersecurity in Our Community

Rep. Morelle stands with local leaders at an event at RIT

On Friday, I was honored to be with Rochester Institute of Technology President Dr. Dave Munson, my partners in government, and representatives from Google to help announce a new $500,000 grant for RIT’s Global Cybersecurity Institute.

In today's interconnected and digitized world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. It has evolved from a niche concern to a critical aspect of our daily lives, impacting individuals, businesses, governments, and society at large. And RIT’s Global Cybersecurity Institute is doing outstanding work to growing cybersecurity workforce and ensure Rochester can continue to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape head-on. I cannot wait to visit again soon and get an update on their important efforts!

Please feel free to reach out to my Rochester Office at 585-232-4850 or my Washington, D.C. Office at 202-225-3615 if we can be of assistance to you or your family. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District