DeSantis sends planes to rescue Americans stranded in Israel amid conflict

In the midst of escalating violence in Israel due to its conflict with Iran, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken swift action to evacuate stranded Americans. Four planes have been dispatched to evacuate 1,500 Americans who were stranded in Israel.

The evacuees were picked up by the Mano Maritime cruise ship Crown Iris in Ashdod, Israel, and transported on a 13-hour journey to Lanarca, Cyprus. The majority of the passengers were participants in the Birthright Israel program, which offers educational trips to young Americans of Jewish descent or creed.

Due to the ongoing bombings from Iran, Israeli airspace has been closed, necessitating the evacuation efforts. The ship arrived safely in Lanarca under the protection of the Israeli navy, and Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark described the operation as “complex and emotional,” but successful in bringing the young adults to safety in Cyprus.

From Cyprus, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Emergency Management arranged for four wide-body planes to transport the Jewish Americans back home. Additionally, State Senator Jay Collins, along with the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, embarked on a mission to assist in evacuating thousands more Americans from Israel.

This is not the first time Governor DeSantis has facilitated evacuations from Israel. In 2023, he organized a similar operation after a terrorist attack by Hamas. On that occasion, at least 300 people were evacuated from Tel Aviv and welcomed at Tampa International Airport.

Governor DeSantis expressed his disappointment with the Biden administration’s response to the crisis, stating that he felt the need to “fill the void” left by their inaction. Florida, with its third-largest Jewish population in the country, has become a key player in assisting with evacuations from Israel during times of crisis.

As the situation in Israel continues to unfold, Governor DeSantis and other officials are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of American citizens caught in the crossfire. The evacuation efforts highlight the importance of swift and decisive action in times of crisis.