Following the Israeli government’s abrupt closure of the country’s airspace after devastating attacks on Iran, tens of thousands of Israelis are presently stranded abroad.
This is as Israeli airlines have moved their aircraft out of the country for safety.
Expectedly, Israeli citizens stuck overseas have taken to social media to share their struggles — from running out of daily medication to searching for shelter in unfamiliar cities.
Specifically, Facebook users for Israelis living abroad have been flooded with pleas for help with many of the travelers saying they have received little to no information about how or when they will be able to return.
Israel launched the attack on Iran early Friday and quickly shut down civilian air traffic even as officials estimate between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis were outside the country when the airspace closed.
However, Israeli Transportation Minister, Miri Regev said Monday that plans are underway to begin bringing citizens home, in coordination with the Defense Ministry, adding however that the process “will take time.”
Regev said the first flights will depart from cities with large Israeli populations, such as Athens, Larnaca (Cyprus), New York, and Bangkok.
Even though Israel is close to destinations like Cyprus, there are however no regular ferry services.
The government said it was discussing sea travel options with an Israeli cruise company.
Some stranded citizens are attempting to return via land routes through Jordan or Egypt, but Israel’s National Security Council has advised against it due to regional security threats.
In the meantime, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has requested all citizens abroad to register on a digital platform which officials said it could take weeks to repatriate everyone.
Rachel Brettler and her partner were flying out to Santorini, Greece, for a short vacation on Thursday, but by the next morning, they were stranded.
“We couldn’t believe the news when we woke the next morning,” Brettler said.
The couple now hopes to reach London, where they have family.
Despite the uncertainty, Brettler said they were still receiving missile alerts from Israel on their phones — a grim reminder of the conflict back home.
Others are unsure whether returning is the right decision.
Sivan Hashuel, 29, was in Sounion, Greece, for a five-day vacation and her return flight has been cancelled.
