HOBOKEN, N.J. — It’s been a difficult week for families trying to arrange flights both to and from Israel.
12-year-old Lotem Einav-Levi from Israel received a bat mitzvah gift of a trip to the United States. Arriving in late September, her visit has been prolonged due to the unforeseen circumstances occurring back home. Fortunately, her family remains safe, and she eagerly anticipates reuniting with them.
Lotem expressed, “I desire to visit that place, irrespective of any potential danger.”
“Are you looking to return home?” inquired Kristie Keleshian from CBS New York.
“Yeah,” Lotem said.
- Related story: Israel-Hamas war latest: IDF says it’s “preparing to expand” attacks on Gaza Strip
Despite facing cancellations, increased ticket prices, and limited seating options, she has managed to secure a flight for early next week to return to her family in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv. Her determination has paid off.
“I understand that she wants to be there,” said Sue Grass, the family friend Lotem is visiting in Hoboken.
Flying back was a difficult decision to make.
Grass expressed fear, emphasizing that the decision was not his own. He stated that this was a collective decision involving her mother, stepfather, and two grandmothers in Israel.
Lotem expressed his desire to return home to reunite with his family, meet up with friends, and potentially engage in volunteering activities, if any opportunities are still available.
- Related story: New York City synagogues receive outpouring of support for people of Israel at Friday night services
Sandra and Joseph Greenberg, hailing from North Jersey, are currently in Israel on an extended trip since late September to celebrate the Sukkot holiday. They have characterized Jerusalem as a deserted city resembling a ghost town.
“At this point, I believe we have experienced our third cancellation,” Joseph Greenberg remarked.
According to him, securing flights back to the U.S. is extremely challenging. However, they were able to successfully book a 36-hour flight home for this weekend. The Israeli authorities have informed them that the U.S. government is assisting in arranging transportation for American citizens.
In Israel, the Greenbergs have two sons, while in the United States, they have a son and a daughter.
- Related story: Mother of young IDF soldier from Staten Island says she’s both fearful and proud: “It’s overwhelming at times”
Joseph Greenberg stated that our lives, including our jobs, are currently based in the United States. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with life as much as possible.
As the attacks persist on both sides, the anticipated challenge of reaching home, regardless of its location, is only expected to deteriorate further.
- In:
- Israel
- Hoboken
