Former Hamas hostage delayed for inspection at JFK airport by U.S. agents
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed to JNS that former Hamas hostage Liri Albag was delayed for inspection at John F. Kennedy International Airport after she informed officials she had previously been held captive in Gaza.
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'The traveler applied for admission at JFK and was referred for further inspection after she indicated she was a hostage of Hamas to the CBP officer,' a CBP spokesperson told JNS in response to a media inquiry. 'A CBP inspection was completed, as may be done for anyone who has been in a similar national security situation, and she was promptly admitted into the United States on a tourist visa.'
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Albag, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz IDF base on Oct. 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, was released earlier this year as part of a short-lived ceasefire and hostage deal. She arrived in New York on Sunday for a family vacation.
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Hebrew media reported that an outdated alert in the airport's computer systems initially flagged Albag as still being held hostage, raising concerns among U.S. officials that someone might be impersonating her. Her father, Eli Albag, told Israeli outlets: 'It appeared in their system that she was still captive, they hadn't updated their computers. They were afraid someone (else) was entering the U.S. using her name.'
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'It wasn't pleasant — but it's over,' he added, noting that his daughter was not distressed by the episode. 'We've arrived at our hotel, and everything's okay. It's behind us,' he told Channel 12.
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According to reports, several Israeli officials intervened behind the scenes to resolve the issue, ensuring the family's entry after about an hour of delay.
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THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The activists had set out to protest Israel's ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, both of which have put the territory of around 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which had organized the voyage, said that the activists were 'kidnapped by Israeli forces' while trying to deliver desperately needed aid to the territory. 'The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated,' it said in a statement. It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Gaza. 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