relief at last: GERMANS HOME AFTER ISRAELI WAR
Aid Provided to Individuals Repatriating from Israel
It's a sigh of relief for the weary souls, stranded in Israel due to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. A special flight, the first of its kind, carried 171 relieved Germans back to their homeland, landing in the heart of Germany, Frankfurt am Main.
Feelings Mixed: Stress and GratitudeUpon touching down, Lionel Reich, a German citizen, shared his sentiments, "The last days in Tel Aviv were nerve-wracking. During the day, it was manageable, but at night, the air raid sirens would echo every few hours. The fear would slowly subside, but the relief of being back in Germany was palpable." sighed Reich, reflecting on the destruction his friends' homes suffered in Tel Aviv.
Frustration Over SupportDaniel Halav, another German trapped in Tel Aviv, couldn't hide his displeasure with the support he received from the German government. "I've never been so happy to be home," he confessed, "but I have to admit, we were left to fend for ourselves to get to Amman. I believe we pay taxes for the government to take care of us."
Journey to Germany: An AdventureThe trek to Amman was no walk in the park, according to the returnees. Initially, the German embassy in Tel Aviv was shut down following Israel's attacks on Iran, leaving the Germans in the lurch. The news about the special flights from Amman came rather late, leaving them scrambling for a way home.
Foreign Office: A Matter of Commercial FlightsThe Foreign Office explained its decision not to organize a convoy to Jordan, stating that such moves could create additional risks. Instead, they advised the Germans to follow the security instructions issued by the Israeli authorities and take commercial flights if possible. The Foreign Office encourages citizens to register on the crisis preparedness list Elefand to stay informed about potential evacuations.
Regions under tension: Iran and GazaIsraeli military actions in Iran continue unabated, as does the Iranian shelling on Israeli soil. Consequently, airspace over these two countries remains closed, making it impossible for passengers to exit through commercial flights. For German citizens stuck in Iran, border crossings to Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan offer a way out, followed by flights to Germany.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa
- Israel War
- Frankfurt am Main
- Foreign Office
- Wars and Conflicts
Additional Insights
- Israel has started arranging flights to repatriate its own citizens stranded abroad due to the conflict[3].
- Germany, together with its European partners, remains open to further diplomatic discussions with Iran if Tehran shows serious willingness to provide assurances[1].
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shifted Germany’s position recently, showing critical views on Israeli military actions in Gaza but has also strongly supported Israel following the strikes on Iran[2].
- No specific evacuation or organized repatriation flights arranged by the German Foreign Office for Germans stranded in Israel have been reported yet, and an official detailed Foreign Office statement on this specific evacuation is not available in the available reports.
- Despite Israel's repatriation of its own citizens stranded abroad due to the conflict, no official evacuation or organized repatriation flights arranged by the German Foreign Office for Germans stranded in Israel have been reported.
- As political tension persists between Israel and Iran, the German government remains open to further diplomatic discussions with Iran, if Tehran shows serious willingness to provide assurances, amidst the ongoing wars and conflicts in the region.
