US citizens left stranded in Israel need our help
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I am writing today with an urgent plea for assistance in a critical situation involving 35 American citizens who are currently stranded in Israel.
Among them are a group of 25 from Texas and 13 from Idaho, which includes my mother, sister, and nephew. They were on tours of the Holy Land with Proximo Travel when the recent conflict in the region escalated rapidly, leaving them in an extremely dire situation.
Over the past few days, these American citizens experienced a rollercoaster of uncertainty. At one moment, they were told their flights were on schedule, and the next, they were informed of cancellations. This morning, they were gathered for dinner to go over the details of their rebooked flights, only to be told that all of those flights had been canceled as well. The situation has now left them on their own after this Saturday, as the remaining part of their tour/trip concludes.
Regrettably, their travel insurance does not provide coverage for any losses or benefits related to war or active war situations, whether declared or not, due to an exclusion clause. Other countries have been sending planes to evacuate their citizens, but the United States has not taken action to rescue its citizens in this crisis.
The group's hotel stays, arranged through the tour company, expire on Saturday. After that, each individual is responsible for finding their own flights back to the United States. Many do not have the financial means to pay for additional hotel nights, upfront airline tickets, and are facing numerous challenges. Among them are elderly individuals, some of whom are running low on medications.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that not everyone is technologically savvy and able to book their own flights or navigate online resources effectively. There's a genuine fear of leaving these American citizens to navigate these challenges alone.
We are putting out this plea in the hope that we can come together as a community and help them get home safely. While some individuals have the means to book their own flights and are assisting others, we need more support to ensure that everyone can leave the war zone.
Our primary goal is to ensure that no one is left behind because of a lack of financial means to cover a ticket back home or without a place to stay while waiting for their flight. The group has already endured significant stress and fear due to the ongoing conflict, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safe return.
Any and all funds raised will be directly applied to plane ticket costs and additional hotel stays while we work on getting them home. We are committed to transparency and can provide receipts for any funds applied to these costs.
Due to safety concerns, we cannot post photos of the individuals until they are safely back in the United States. However, we are willing to provide evidence of expenses and efforts made to bring them home.
We implore you to share this message and ask everyone you know to do the same. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safe return of these American citizens who have been left stranded in Israel.
Your support and assistance in this critical situation are greatly appreciated. Every contribution counts, and together, we can bring these fellow citizens home safely.
Thank you for your attention and willingness to help.
Sincerely,
Michelle Jacoby
[phone redacted]
Venmo - @michelle-jacoby-5
Zelle - Michelle Jacoby
[phone redacted]
I also have Apple Pay
Fundraising team: Team fundraiser (3)
Michelle Jacoby
Organizer
Blackfoot, ID
Heidi Jacoby
Beneficiary
Ryan Martin
Team member