ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Like many Jewish-American families, Marc Cohen, his wife, brother and parents were celebrating the festival of Sukkot in Israel.

They arrived Oct. 4 but the vacation abruptly changed three days later when Hamas terrorists attacked civilians, thrusting the region into war.

"So started one of the most terrifying journeys my family's ever embarked upon and ended what was a really beautiful trip to Israel," Cohen said.

He considers his family among the lucky ones. Cohen is the chief of staff for Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy, a former New York lieutenant governor, and had assistance from both him and U.S. Rep. Joe Morrelle.

He said while his family does not have endless resources, they did have a credit card with a high enough limit to continue booking flights until they were ultimately able to get out by way of Tel Aviv to Dubai and back to the United States.

"The prices for those tickets were expensive and more expensive than they probably would have been otherwise because there was a high demand for them and that's capitalism and that's how that works," Cohen said.

State Sen. Julia Salazar, D-Brooklyn, said those costs are a very real concern for many New Yorkers, both who were able to get on commercial flights and those who were eventually brought home through State Department.

"They were required to sign documents from the State Department committing to repay the federal government for the cost of their travel, essentially being expected to pay for their own rescue. We don't think this is acceptable," she said.

Salazar, along with fellow state Sen. Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, introduced legislation this week to create a state fund to reimburse New York residents for the cost. Because it's not yet clear how many are impacted, there is no fiscal note attached yet.

"I would anticipate that we should try to fund this at maybe $500,000, perhaps more. Either way it's a nominal amount of money in the context of the state budget," she said.

Cohen said cost to the state is not the only question left unanswered in the bill. He's curious for instance, what and how much would qualify for reimbursement.

Regardless, he said he's grateful for lawmakers at all levels that understand the seriousness of the situation.

"The fact that our state Legislature recognizes the importance of supporting individuals and working to ensure they don't have to fear a loss a money for getting themselves to safety, that is a beautiful wonderful thought," Cohen said.

Salazar believes the governor could take similar action administratively prior to legislative session in January.