WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) shared that she received notification from the Israeli Embassy to the United States that Intifada Abdelghani and her 14-year-old son are clear to return home to Connecticut. The pair were barred from leaving Israel on August 15, 2025 after a visit with family in the West Bank. Congresswoman Hayes and her team have worked around the clock on this issue, and on Friday penned a letter to the State Department with Senator Blumenthal seeking answers.
Movement occurred in the last 72-hours, when the Congresswoman secured a meeting with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the United States in her Washington, D.C. office. Together, they worked to find a solution. As a result of the meeting, the Congresswoman was able to reach a resolution and get confirmation that the security ban was lifted and the family could return home. Congresswoman Hayes shared the news with Mrs. Abdelghani’s husband Maher, who initially opened the case. There were initial administrative delays after the news was first shared, but our office worked to resolve them. We are now working with the Embassy to coordinate the safe return of the Abdelghani family to the United States.
“I am incredibly relieved that the family is finalizing travel plans and Intifada Abdelghani and her son will soon be home,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “No American family should have to endure the fear and uncertainty they have faced. The ability to travel freely is fundamental for all U.S. citizens. While we celebrate this outcome, this situation has highlighted serious concerns about the equitable treatment of all Americans abroad, and we will continue to seek answers to ensure no other family has to experience a similar ordeal. I am grateful for the tireless work of my staff, the cooperation of the Embassy, and the persistence of the Abdelghani family. We look forward to welcoming Intifada and her son back to Connecticut.”
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