On Wednesday morning, a cruise ship transported approximately 1500 people from Israel to Cyprus, with some passengers later boarding flights to Tampa, Florida. Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, some Americans were returning from Israel to the US, thanks in part to the assistance of the Governor of Florida.
Some of these individuals had initially planned to participate in a 10-day trip to Israel sponsored by the Birthright Israel Foundation. However, following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, they were forced to flee back to the United States. Prior to this, Israel had launched missile attacks on Iran.
Foundation officials stated that Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida facilitated the coordination of four large planes to transport all American tourists to Tampa, from where they would then make their respective ways back home.
Jonathan Ellis, Chairman of the Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council, expressed his deep gratitude for Governor DeSantis’s efforts in ensuring that 1500 Americans could escape the conflict and return safely to their homes.
He added, “Governor DeSantis has always been a great friend of Israel, and his commitment to Israel extends not only to the Israeli people but also to the citizens of Florida and other Americans.”
At this moment, other countries around the world are also evacuating their citizens from Israel and Iran through air, land, and sea routes. The intense conflict between the two nations continues unabated.
Several days of attacks and retaliations by the opposing sides have resulted in the complete closure of airspace in the Middle East region, severely disrupting commercial flights and making it difficult for people to enter or leave the area. Some countries are resorting to land routes to evacuate their citizens to nations where airports remain open.
Last Friday, Israel conducted its largest-ever airstrike on Iran, targeting major military and nuclear facilities. Israel had previously determined that Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons.
President Trump stated early Tuesday that Iran was “very close” to acquiring nuclear weapons. The top priority for the United States is to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons and to guarantee that Iran is “absolutely incapable of manufacturing nuclear weapons.” Iran has denied any intentions of developing nuclear weapons, emphasizing its legitimate rights to nuclear technology and uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
(Adapted from a report by The Hill)