Americans Who Traveled to Israel for Mission Trip Stranded for Weeks Amid War with Iran: ‘I Need to Get Out’ (Exclusive)

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has left many Americans stranded, with the U.S. State Department working intensively to facilitate their departure from the region. As of March 5, officials reported they had directly aided approximately 10,000 citizens attempting to return home. The situation remains fluid, characterised by escalating violence and widespread flight cancellations following recent military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

David Dweck, a 63-year-old resident of Boca Raton, Florida, found himself caught in this precarious situation during a trip to Israel for a Jewish National Fund Brotherhood mission. The moment Dweck first heard a jet overhead while staying at a hotel in Caesarea, the reality of the unfolding conflict struck him hard. Within moments, he and his companions were seeking refuge in the hotel’s bomb shelter, a necessity they repeated multiple times throughout that day. Despite planning to leave Israel on March 4, Dweck’s flight was ultimately cancelled, leaving him scrambling for alternative arrangements.

As conflict erupted over the weekend, Americans like Dweck have found it increasingly difficult to secure flights home. After numerous attempts to reach the State Department for assistance, he was disheartened to receive a recorded message advising him against relying on government help for his departure. “I think the American government needs to step up and do a better job to get people home,” he lamented, expressing frustration with the lack of effective communication.

In light of the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. government has issued warnings advising its citizens to leave numerous countries across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, using any viable commercial transportation options. Dweck explored routes through neighbouring countries, considering Egypt and Jordan for possible exits, but was apprehensive about their safety. Ultimately, he opted to travel to Hod HaSharon, where he has connections that may aid his return.

To expedite his passage back to the United States, Dweck has sought assistance from Project Dynamo, a nonprofit organisation with experience in crisis evacuations. The organisation, founded following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has successfully assisted over 7,500 individuals to safety. According to Mike Dinesman, project director, they charge no fees for their services, which are vital for many Americans trapped abroad during crises.

Dinesman has military experience that he believes has equipped him well for the task. He has dedicated years to planning evacuations and provides support wherever he can. Currently, he is in Egypt coordinating the evacuation of Americans seeking to leave the region following the conflict with Iran while trying to balance various actions in Israel and the surrounding nations.

Rich Wolkowitz, a 57-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, is similarly navigating this treacherous situation. Following Dweck’s example, he reached out to his elected representatives for assistance and received meaningful support. Wolkowitz is actively informing his group of travellers about the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP), a government initiative designed to keep citizens abroad updated on safety conditions through alerts and notifications.

Despite the looming uncertainty, Wolkowitz has endeavoured to maintain a positive outlook and encourage those around him. “I like to think that our mission has extended,” he remarked, indicating that their original purpose for being in Israel—to offer help and support—remains pertinent even amid their own challenges. Balancing efforts to secure both commercial and government assistance for their return, he expressed faith in the State Department’s ability to facilitate their safe passage home.

As the situation develops, many Americans continue to seek assistance in their precarious circumstances. The State Department remains engaged, working tirelessly to bring as many citizens as possible back from the tumultuous region. However, the experiences of individuals like Dweck and Wolkowitz underscore the ongoing challenges that many are facing as they endeavour to navigate their escape amidst the chaos.