Booker, staff depart Israel in wake of Hamas attack

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and his staff departed Israel on Sunday, after Hamas’s attacks on Israel forced the senator to shelter in place in Jerusalem on Saturday. 

A spokesperson for Booker’s office confirmed in a statement that the New Jersey Democrat departed early from a trip to Israel, where he arrived Friday and had planned to stay through at least Tuesday, when he had a scheduled speaking arrangement. 

After the massive attack by Hamas against Israel began Saturday morning, however, Booker and his team had to cut the trip short. 

“Senator Booker and accompanying staff were in Jerusalem when Hamas launched their attacks against Israel on Saturday, and sheltered in place for their safety,” Booker’s spokesperson said. “We are grateful that Senator Booker and our colleagues were able to safely depart Israel earlier today.”

The office said Booker was slated to engage in several days of meetings before his talk Tuesday about regional economic integration. 

“On Friday, October 6, Senator Booker arrived in Israel for several days of planned meetings and site visits ahead of the start of an Abraham Accords-focused N7 summit on regional economic integration in Tel Aviv, at which he was scheduled to speak on Tuesday,” the spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.

In an earlier statement Saturday, Booker’s office released a statement condemning the attacks. 

“I emphatically condemn Hamas’ horrific acts of violence, kidnapping and terror targeting Israeli families, children and other civilians in towns and cities across the nation of Israel. I stand with the people of Israel and the families of those who have lost loved ones,” Booker said.