• Successful Evacuation Operation: Approximately 1,500 young adults, primarily Americans from the Birthright Israel program, were successfully evacuated from Israel via cruise ship.
• Coordinated Multinational Effort: The safe passage was a complex, collaborative operation involving Birthright Israel, an escort from the Israel Navy, and the Crown Iris cruise ship.
• Safe Passage to the U.S.: The evacuees sailed from Ashdod, Israel, to Larnaca, Cyprus, from where the American participants were flown by chartered aircraft to Tampa, Florida.
• Ongoing Commitment to Safety: Efforts are actively continuing to secure the safe departure for the approximately 1,300 participants still in Israel, with the cruise ship transport serving as a successful model.

In a remarkable and well-coordinated effort, approximately 1,500 young travelers, mostly Americans participating in the Birthright Israel program, were safely evacuated from Israel amid regional tensions. The complex operation highlights a story of successful international cooperation and a deep commitment to the well-being of visitors.

The students embarked on the cruise ship Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime, from the port of Ashdod. Escorted by the Israel Navy, their vessel made a secure journey to the safe harbor of Larnaca, Cyprus. This leg of the journey represents a massive logistical success, ensuring the group’s safety and comfort during a challenging time. From Cyprus, the American nationals were then transferred to four chartered aircraft that brought them safely to Tampa, Florida, successfully completing their journey home.

Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, praised the operation, noting the immense pressure under which the teams operated. He affirmed the organization’s pride in safely transporting the 1,500 young adults and emphasized that dedicated teams are continuing to work around the clock to secure safe travel solutions for the approximately 1,300 participants who remain in Israel. The successful cruise ship evacuation has provided a reliable and effective model for these ongoing efforts. This entire initiative showcases a powerful commitment to ensuring the safety of travelers through careful planning and decisive action.