TEANECK, N.J. — Former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli said Thursday that Teaneck Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz and his family remain stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict, along with many other American citizens.
In a Zoom conversation shared publicly, Ciattarelli noted that Katz had traveled to Israel with his wife, son, and daughter two weeks ago for a family wedding. Due to the conflict, they have been unable to return home to Bergen County.
“They are not alone,” Ciattarelli stated. “Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including many New Jerseyans, have also been unable to return.”
U.S. Embassy coordinating departures for American citizens
Ciattarelli cited an urgent update from the U.S. Embassy in Israel, which is organizing evacuation flights and cruise ship departures for U.S. citizens still in the country. Those seeking to leave must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
No specific timeline has been provided for the evacuations.
New Jersey officials are monitoring the situation as Teaneck’s deputy mayor remains among many U.S. citizens stranded in Israel amid ongoing conflict.
