Birthright Israel Carries Out Historic Sea Evacuation of 1,500 Participants

Jun 17, 2025 by Susan Rosenbluth

Larnaca, Cyprus (June 17, 2025) – In a remarkable and unprecedented emergency operation, Birthright Israel successfully evacuated approximately 1,500 program participants earlier today aboard the Crown Iris, a luxury Israeli cruise ship operated by Mano Maritime, sailing from Ashdod Port to Larnaca, Cyprus. The 13-hour voyage was conducted under the close protection of the Israeli Navy, which escorted the vessel across the Mediterranean to ensure the participants’ safety amid ongoing regional tensions.

The cruise ship was secured by Birthright Israel as part of a swift and strategic effort to begin repatriating nearly 2,800 international participants—the majority of whom are young adults from the United States—who have been stranded in Israel due to the escalating conflict with Iran.

Priority on this voyage was given to participants nearing the end of their 10-day educational experience, ensuring their safe and timely return to their home countries. Upon arrival in Cyprus, the participants will be flown to their hometowns. All transportation costs, including sea and air travel, are being fully covered by Birthright Israel.

Ashdod port Credit: Erez Uzir, courtesy of Birthright Israel

Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, personally led the operation on the ground in Cyprus, coordinating logistics and receiving the participants as they arrived safely at Larnaca Port.

“Today we witnessed the true spirit of Birthright Israel—not only as an educational journey, but as a global family committed to the safety and well-being of every participant,” said Gidi Mark. “This was a complex and emotional 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.”

From Cyprus, four wide-body planes chartered by the State of Florida—led by Governor DeSantis—will fly all U.S. participants to Tampa, Florida. From there, they will be able to continue on to their respective hometowns.

Participants from all other countries will have separate travel arrangements coordinated by Birthright Israel. Further details regarding upcoming evacuation efforts—whether by air or sea—for the remaining Birthright Israel participants will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

Birthright Israel is the largest educational tourism organization in the world. Founded 25 years ago with the dream to provide all young Jewish adults with opportunities for transformative and immersive shared experiences in Israel and a foundation for ongoing Jewish connection. Birthright offers multiple short- and mid-length programs in Israel for Jewish young adults. More than 900,000 young Jewish adults from 70 countries participated in one of the Birthright Israel programs.