Israel Launches Emergency Evacuation to Bring Citizens Home During War

As war with Iran intensifies, Israel is racing to bring its citizens home by land, sea, and sky.

From rerouted flights to makeshift maritime operations, Israelis stranded abroad are finding any possible way back into the country, driven by an unshakable desire to stand with their families and homeland in a time of war.

Roughly 100,000 to 150,000 Israelis were overseas when Israel launched its sweeping airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last Thursday. The attacks were meant to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat once and for all, but triggered immediate retaliation ballistic missile volleys that have already killed more than 20 people and left buildings in ruins.

As the skies closed and commercial flights halted, desperation set in. And Israelis responded with bold determination:

• Yaakov Katz, a former newspaper editor, caught a tugboat from Cyprus back to Israel after being rerouted mid-flight. “Nine of us squeezed onto a vessel… It wasn’t easy, but there’s no place I think any Israeli would want to be at a time like this,” he said.

• Shimi Grossman, a volunteer medic, trekked from the U.S. to Egypt and is now heading to Israel’s Taba border crossing to assist the wounded.

• Josh Hantman, stuck in London, watched helplessly as a missile landed just a mile from his home. “It’s torture… knowing your wife and small kids are in danger.”

Israel’s Transport Minister Miri Regev announced the launch of rescue flights and the establishment of a maritime route from Cyprus and Greece. Israeli airlines relocated overseas are on standby, waiting for the green light to re-enter the airspace and begin mass evacuations.

Meanwhile, tragic stories of disrupted lives are becoming more common. Uzi Sofer, who was in Boston on business, missed his daughter’s wedding. The family chose to delay the celebration. “God willing, in July, I will get to celebrate twice – the wedding and Israel’s victory over Iran,” he said.

This isn’t just an evacuation it’s a national homecoming under fire. As missiles rain down and the threat from Iran grows, Israelis are refusing to be sidelined. They’re coming back not just to be with loved ones, but to stand firm for their country’s survival.

In times of crisis, patriotism isn’t just words it’s action. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to support Israel’s fight for freedom and safety.