Part 11/13:
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has led efforts to evacuate American citizens stranded by the war. Over 4,000 Americans participating in the Birthright Israel trip found themselves trapped during the escalation. Thanks to coordinated efforts, including chartered flights and military support, approximately 1,500 young American Jews have been safely evacuated from Israel to Cyprus on Israeli ships, under protection from the Israeli Navy.
DeSantis and the Florida Emergency Management Office swiftly offered additional flights to bring these Americans home, with the first arriving late Wednesday. Witnesses describe intense moments of danger, with rockets impacting near their shelter and forcing them into bomb shelters for days.