Birthright evacuates 1,500 participants to Cyprus via cruise ship

Birthright Israel has evacuated 1,500 program participants stranded in Israel to Larnaca, Cyprus, aboard a luxury cruise ship, the organization says.

From Cyprus, participants from the US will fly to Tampa, Florida, on four wide-body planes chartered by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according a statement from Birthright, which provides free educational visits to Israel for young adults. From there, they will be able to continue on to their respective hometowns.

The 13-hour cruise from Ashdod, aboard a luxury cruise ship operated by Mano Maritime, was escorted by the Israeli Navy for protection, Birthright says.

Approximately 2,800 young adults were stranded after their tour plans were interrupted by the launch of Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran early Friday morning. Those visiting from non-US countries, or participating in longer volunteer programs, will be evacuated in the coming days. Details will be shared when they are confirmed, Birthright says.

All transportation costs are being covered by Birthright Israel, it notes.

“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,” says Birthright CEO Gidi Mark. “This was a complex and emotional operation, carried out under immense pressure.”