A rescue operation to bring Jewish Americans stranded in Israel safely back to the United States has proven to be successful, with one flight carrying dozens of evacuees landing at Miami International Airport Thursday morning.
As Israel and Iran continue exchanging airstrikes, several organizations across the region have been assisting Americans caught in the crossfire.
It was a treacherous journey, with many uncertain of their fate as they sheltered themselves from bombs for days on ends. Nonetheless, they remained persistent and decided to do what they could to flee the area, traveling across the Jordanian border to catch a flight to Florida.
“We couldn’t find another way back we signed up for different ways — evacuation, rescue ways — and it just didn’t work out for us so we had to go through Jordan. We had to get back home,” said South Florida resident Danielle Gozlan.
1,500 participants of the Birthright Israel program have been rescued and have boarded a plane bound for Tampa International Airport, not before taking a cruise ship from Israel to Cyprus.
“People were scared and they didn’t want to wait. Met them at the Jordanian border, they scheduled the guide, they got scheduled buses,” said Judy Elias, Founder of Heroes to Heroes. “A few [inaudible] were at the border because they always are but Dynamo was amazing and all of us at Heroes to Heroes were so grateful and it was such a blessing to get them to the airport in Amman. As of now, everyone is out of Jordan and many are home.”
Another group, Grey Bull Rescue, a nonprofit rescue organization based in Tampa, shared photos of 300 Floridians that were rescued from Israel and are en route to Tampa.
The Jewish Federation of Broward County are also actively finding ways to connect stranded Floridians with resources for a safe return.
The United States State Department as well as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are coordinating chartering flights that will evacuate Jewish Americans from Israel.
The Jewish Federation of Broward County has created a WhatsApp group to connect people with resources on cruises and flights out of Israel. To be added to the group chat, click here.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox Email address Submit
