U.S. citizen of Houston origins among 1,500 Americans evacuating Israel amidst tensions with Iran
Title: Young American's Unplanned Voyage amid Israel-Iran Crisis
Haven't had enough of Israel's history and culture? Too bad said 19-year-old Zachary Shnol. Talk about a bittersweet 10-day adventure cut short.
On his Birthright Israel trip, Zachary, a sophomore at Sam Houston State University, found himself trapped in the crosshairs of a tense geopolitical battle between Israel and Iran. As the countries exchanged missile strikes, the college kid exhilarated by historical sightseeing found himself running for cover in bomb shelters.
'Thought I wouldn't make it out of there alive'
Zachary vividly recalled the moments of uncertainty, the shaking building, and the piercing sirens that echoed through the air. "One minute we're learning about the history of Jerusalem, the next we're huddled together in a concrete shelter, questioning if this was our final moment on earth," he expressed.
The group was herded onto the Mano Maritime cruise ship, Crown Iris, and began a 13-hour-long voyage to Cyprus. As they crossed international waters, they were far from the action but not yet out of harm's way.
'We were sitting ducks'
Moments before their boat docked, alarms blared, and the passengers were instructed to take cover. Zachary recounted that moment as 'pivotal' since they were moving from the concrete, fortified shelters to an open sea, leaving them utterly vulnerable.
Once in Cyprus, the young traveler managed to secure a flight, taking him on a winding path through Portugal and eventually to Tampa, Florida.
Now, Zachary is counting his blessings and observing life with a newfound appreciation. "Everyday that we get is a gift," he said with heartfelt conviction.
Chaos in Israel persists
According to reports, dozens have been killed in Israel as a result of the Iranian missile strikes[1]. The conflict between these Middle Eastern powers continues, with no immediate resolution in sight.
For Tourists: Tourism Under Threat
In light of this escalation of violence, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Israel, citing concerns about unpredictable security conditions, including missile attacks and armed drone intrusions[2]. With Israeli airspace currently shut down, airlines like EL AL have suspended all flights until at least June 23, 2025[3][4].
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is actively arranging the evacuation of tourists who wish to leave the country. Tourists are encouraged to register online with the Ministry to assist in coordinating rescue flights, although details about their timing and destinations remain elusive[4].
Strict travel restrictions have been implemented in Israel, requiring special permission for most travelers to leave the country, potentially impacting their swift departure[2]. Furthermore, trip organizers like Birthright Israel may face disruptions or suspensions during this period of instability[2].
Tourists should remain in close contact with their trip organizers, follow official travel advisories, and utilize the Israeli Ministry of Tourism's online resources if assistance with evacuation is needed[2][3][4].
"Zachary, who found himself in the midst of the Israel-Iran crisis during a planned educational and cultural trip, expressed his fears, stating, 'I thought I wouldn't make it out of there alive.'"
"In the midst of the chaos, Zachary's appreciation for general news, health, education, politics, and war-and-conflicts gained a new depth as he witnessed firsthand the impact of geopolitical battles on his personal life."
