Fla. charters evacuation flights from Israel for Americans
OAN Staff Chloe Hauxwell and Sophia Flores
10:08 AM – Friday, June 20, 2025
Florida has brought a group of Americans home from Israel in what Governor Ron DeSantis described as a ‘rescue mission,’ amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
DeSantis (R-Fla.) greeted the flight early on Friday morning.
Around 1,500 people, including college-aged students on a birthright trip, began the journey to Tampa on Thursday. Birthright is a free 10-day educational trip to Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26. It is designed to strengthen their connection to Jewish heritage and culture.
The group first boarded a cruise ship to Cyprus, escorted by the Israeli Navy.
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