Washington, D.C. —Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV), authored a letter with the support of 65 Members of Congress to Secretary of State John Kerry and the State Department urging them to do everything in their power to help find three kidnapped Israeli teens and bring them safely home.

More than 10 days ago, the teenagers were kidnapped in the West Bank by Palestinian terrorists and are still missing. According to Israeli authorities, this despicable act is the work of Hamas.

“These kidnapped teenagers are not enemy combatants and should not be held as prisoners of war,” said Rep. McKinley. “They are simply innocent students who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“All of us have families and can imagine the pain the parents and families of these boys are enduring,” said McKinley. “This tragedy touches our hearts as we think of our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. This kidnapping cannot be condoned by the global community and the United States must stand up and lead.”

“Because one of the children holds dual Israeli and American citizenship, this is a matter concerning an American citizen in danger,” added McKinley. “We’re asking Secretary of State Kerry to use his full authority to demand the release of these teenagers and to pressure the Palestinian Authority to take further action.”

Rep. McKinley is meeting with an Israeli Delegation on this matter later today.