In a series of humanitarian efforts, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken proactive measures to assist Americans stranded in Israel amid escalating conflict with Iran. Earlier today at Tampa International Airport, DeSantis greeted passengers returning from a tense situation overseas on state-chartered flights. According to FOX 13 News, hundreds of individuals, including participants in Birthright Israel trips, have been evacuated so far, with efforts ongoing to bring more citizens back to the U.S.
The U.S. State Department has raised a Level 4 "do not travel" advisory for Israel, indicating the gravity of the crisis. Grey Bull Rescue, a local nonprofit, is coordinating with the governor's office to manage the influx of nearly 5,000 evacuation requests, some of which include students attending Florida universities.
Affirming the state's commitment, DeSantis emphasized on the continuing necessity of these evacuation flights. "The reality is that there will be more folks that are going to be rescued. This is an ongoing effort," he said, as CBS Miami reported. In the same breath, he acknowledged that other states might also step up to assist in this international rescue mission but highlighted that the immediate response was crucial, especially given the uncertain reopening of Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
One of the evacuees, a Bradenton woman, described the experience as surreal being evacuated from a warzone, according to her statement to ABC Action News. DeSantis also pointed out the unique challenges Florida faces with such missions, "The most logistically challenging rescues we have done. We've done them in Haiti, we've done them in Israel, Hamas was obviously bad, but when you have the Iranian mullahs firing all these barrages of missiles," demonstrating the complexity and danger involved. These missions echo Florida's ongoing engagement in international crisis responses, marking a fraught chapter in its history of rescue operations abroad.
Evacuation assistance requests can be submitted through Grey Bull Rescue. This Tampa-based nonprofit has taken a lead role in facilitating citizens' safe return from conflict zones. For those in need, emergency evacuation forms are available, ensuring a lifeline for Americans caught in the midst of crossfire and looking for a way home.
