As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise and all-out war is expected at any moment, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made the move to help evacuate Jewish-Americans who were in Israel.
According to the Daily Wire, DeSantis sent four jets which helped around 1,500 of the Americans find their way back to the United States, landing in Tampa, Florida. The tourists were on a 10-Day birthright cruise which was sailing to Larnaca, Cyprus and were protected by the Israeli Navy.
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As of right now, the Jerusalem Post is also reporting that the other “2,800 international participants who were in Israel when war broke out on Friday have chosen to depart via other means or have chosen to stay in Israel with family.”
Joy Prevor, the vice president of projects for the Broward Jewish Federation noted that they have “…been working with the Israeli consulate, which has been in touch with the governor’s office…We are hopeful anyone who needs to get out will get out, but it is being done in a staged fashion.”
Prevor also described the harrowing experience for those who were on the boat to Cyprus, praising God for the Iron Dome and a well-run text alert system.
This rescue by DeSantis comes as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, gave the announcement of evacuation flights and sea departures for anyone needing to leave Israel, as The Mirror reported.
Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel- US Embassy in Israel @usembassyjlm is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures.
You must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step) You will be alerted w/ updates.
Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel- US Embassy in Israel @usembassyjlm is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures.
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 18, 2025
You must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://t.co/rXymPRTQJJ) You will be alerted w/ updates.
Back in 2023, DeSantis also airlifted 200 Americans when Hamas invaded Israel, and donated 85 pallets of supplies.
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In this critical hour, as war looms over Israel and countless lives hang in the balance, the need for urgent, unified prayer from the body of Christ has never been greater. Now is the time for believers to intercede for divine protection over Israel, for wisdom among world leaders and for the peace of Jerusalem.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
