America used to be known for its strong leadership around the world. People respected us. They knew we took care of our own citizens, no matter where they were.
But these days, it seems like some in the government have forgotten about Americans caught in dangerous situations overseas. When crises happen, families are left wondering if anyone will step up to bring their loved ones home safely.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has arranged for the rescue of 1,500 young Jewish-Americans who were stranded in Cyprus after fleeing Israel. The Americans, participants in a Birthright Israel trip, were evacuated on four wide-body jets chartered by DeSantis. They are expected to arrive in Tampa on Wednesday.
From ‘The Daily Wire’:
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis chartered four flights to bring roughly 1,500 Jewish-Americans who evacuated from Israel back home to America.
The group had originally fled Israel aboard the Crown Iris cruise ship, making a grueling 13-hour journey to Larnaca, Cyprus. The Israeli Navy protected them during their escape as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified.
“This was a complex and emotional operation, carried out under immense pressure,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, which offers free ten-day heritage trips to Israel for young Jewish adults.
Real Leadership When It Matters
The evacuation came as Israel and Iran have been locked in a six-day war filled with airstrikes and bombings. With commercial flights limited and many Americans desperate to return home, DeSantis’ decisive action stands in stark contrast to the slow federal response.
Birthright Israel agreed to cover transportation costs for the participants, working in partnership with Florida officials to ensure a smooth evacuation. The operation required careful coordination between multiple agencies and governments during a highly volatile situation.
Meanwhile, Florida Senator Jay Collins traveled to Israel to assist with evacuation efforts, showing Florida’s commitment to bringing Americans home safely extends beyond just the governor’s office.
A Governor with Global Reach
This isn’t the first time DeSantis has taken bold action to rescue Americans stranded abroad. After the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, DeSantis organized an emergency airlift that brought home another 200 Americans from Israel.
During that operation, DeSantis didn’t just send empty planes. He filled them with 85 pallets of donated supplies including medical equipment, children’s toys, sleeping bags, and clothing for Israelis affected by the terrorist attacks.
DeSantis made his position clear at the time: “With the lack of leadership in Washington, we are stepping up to help our allies in Israel who are in need of supplies and our support.”
The governor also chartered flights to Haiti when the Caribbean nation battled prison breaks and gang violence, evacuating nearly 200 Americans back to the mainland U.S.
America’s Values on Display
When Americans are in danger, they shouldn’t have to wonder if their government will come to their aid. Governor DeSantis has consistently shown that protecting citizens isn’t just talk – it’s action.
While federal agencies often move slowly through bureaucratic red tape, DeSantis demonstrates that decisive leadership can make the difference between Americans being stranded in dangerous situations and being brought safely home.
That’s what real American leadership looks like – putting our citizens first and doing whatever it takes to protect them, no matter where in the world they might be.
Key Takeaways
- Governor DeSantis chartered four planes to rescue 1,500 Americans from Israel amid escalating conflict with Iran
- This marks the third major international rescue operation led by Florida’s governor in recent years
- State leadership stepped in quickly while federal agencies showed limited response to the crisis
- The rescue demonstrates how decisive action can protect Americans abroad when traditional channels fall short
Sources: Daily Wire, The Floridian
