Young Americans evacuated from Israel by cruise ship

Thursday, 18 Jun, 2025 0

A large group of mostly American young travelers have been evacuated by cruise ship from Israel.

Amid ongoing missile attacks, around 1,500 young adults, part of the Birthright Israel program, sailed to Larnaca, Cyprus from the port of Ashdod under an escort by the Israel Navy.

They sailed on cruise ship Crown Iris, which is operated by Mano Maritime.

“This was a complex operation, carried out under immense pressure, and we are proud to have brought 1,500 young adults safely to Cyprus. Our team continues to work around the clock to secure solutions for the remaining participants still in Israel,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel.

The American nationals were then transferred to four chartered aircraft which landed in Tampa, Florida,

About 1,300 Birthright travelers remain stranded and will likely be transported by the cruise ship as Israeli airspace remains closed, Birthright Israel said.

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