This article from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency describes the emergency evacuation of approximately 1,500 young adults participating in Birthright Israel during the Israel–Iran war. When the conflict began, air travel to and from Israel was suspended, leaving thousands of international visitors stranded. In response, Birthright coordinated a large-scale evacuation by sea, transporting participants by bus to the port of Ashdod and placing them aboard the cruise ship Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime. The ship, escorted by the Israeli Navy, sailed to Larnaca in Cyprus, where American participants were then flown to Tampa, Florida on chartered planes arranged with the support of Ron DeSantis.
The evacuation operation was logistically complex and carried out under significant time pressure. Birthright leaders initially focused on keeping participants safe and consolidated before determining that sea travel was the most viable exit route. According to Birthright CEO Gidi Mark and other officials, the effort involved close coordination with Israeli authorities and security agencies. While the cruise evacuated 1,500 participants, roughly 1,300 additional Birthright travelers remained in Israel at the time, with organizers continuing to explore departure options by sea and air. Leaders from the Israel Educational Travel Alliance, including Anna Langer, also worked with government partners to identify evacuation pathways while advising participants to follow guidance from Israel’s Home Front Command and remain sheltered until safe travel options became available.
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