Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has chartered flights to rescue American citizens trapped in Israel due to its conflict with Iran.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, the governor chartered four jets to retrieve nearly 1,500 Jewish Americans.
The Americans were participating in a 10-day tour of Israel, the organization Birthright Israel said.
The Americans took an Israeli cruise vessel to Cyprus while under the protection of the Israeli Navy. The chartered flights then took them to Tampa, Florida.
“Today we witnessed the true spirit of Birthright Israel — not only as an educational journey, but as a global family committed to the safety and well-being of every participant,” Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark said in the statement. “This was a complex and emotional operation, carried out under immense pressure, and we are proud to have brought 1,500 young adults safely to Cyprus. Our team continues to work around the clock to secure solutions for the remaining participants still in Israel.”
DeSantis also facilitated the return of more than 200 Americans following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The rescue operation resulted in the return of 270 U.S. citizens, including 91 children and four dogs.
“Big shoutout to Governor DeSantis. Thank you for your support,” non-profit Project Dynamo founder Bryan Stern said at the time. “Your executive order was a game-changer for us and allowed us to save all these lives. We’ve been here for over a week since the day after the massacre and we’re excited to get home to get these people out.”
