TEL AVIV, Israel – A group of twenty-two students from the University of Miami (UM) are currently awaiting evacuation from Israel, a situation precipitated by the recent sharp escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. The students were participating in an internship program in Tel Aviv when the regional conflict intensified, leading to significant disruptions including the indefinite cancellation of commercial air travel.
The presence of the students in the country became widely known following a report by The Miami Hurricane, the university\”s student newspaper, published initially on Instagram on Wednesday. According to the report, the UM contingent was approximately three weeks into an eight-week internship program organized through Onward Birthright Israel. This program facilitates immersive experiences for students, combining cultural engagement with professional development opportunities.
Rising Tensions Force Relocation
The security situation deteriorated rapidly, marked by escalating missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. In response to the heightened threat, organizers of the Onward Birthright Israel program took swift action to ensure the safety of the participants. On June 14, the group of students was relocated from their original lodging in Tel Aviv to a more secure location within Israel. This move was a proactive measure aimed at distancing the students from areas deemed potentially vulnerable to cross-border hostilities.
While the immediate relocation addressed the students\” security within Israel, the broader impact of the conflict on transportation quickly became apparent. Authorities implemented widespread restrictions on air travel, resulting in the indefinite cancellation of all commercial flights operating in and out of Israel. This development effectively closed the primary avenue for the students to return to the United States as originally planned.
Evacuation via Sea and Air
Facing the lack of air travel options, program organizers and relevant authorities have devised an alternative evacuation plan. The twenty-two University of Miami students, along with potentially other program participants, are now scheduled to depart Israel by boat later this week. The sea voyage will take them to Cyprus, a nearby island nation that serves as a critical transit point in the Eastern Mediterranean.
From Cyprus, the students are expected to board flights that will take them back to the United States. This multi-leg journey underscores the complex logistical challenges involved in civilian evacuations from a region experiencing active conflict and significant travel restrictions.
Uncertainty Lingers Over Return Details
As of Thursday, June 19, 2025, final confirmation regarding the specific details of the students\” return flights from Cyprus to the United States had not yet been received. While the plan for departure by boat and onward travel via Cyprus is in place, the lack of definitive flight information adds an element of uncertainty for the students and their families waiting back home.
The University of Miami is reportedly in contact with the program organizers and is monitoring the situation closely. Ensuring the safe passage and timely return of the students remains the paramount concern for all parties involved. The incident highlights the inherent risks faced by individuals participating in international programs in regions subject to geopolitical instability.
Program organizers continue to work diligently to finalize all necessary arrangements for the complex evacuation process. Updates are anticipated as concrete details regarding the sea departure and subsequent air travel legs become available. The twenty-two UM students, having had their educational and cultural experience abruptly interrupted by the escalating conflict, now focus solely on their journey home.
