Image Credit: I Support the Israel Defense Forces In Preventing Terror Attacks From Gaza / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –
Twelve members from First Baptist Church of Knoxville arrived in Tel Aviv just hours before Hamas launched its attack on Israel. On Saturday, a missile hit a short distance away from the group’s hotel, and while the hotel was well-prepared with safe rooms, the group chose to travel by taxi to the city of Jerusalem, hopeful that violence would not erupt there as well.
With Jerusalem being of great importance to Jewish people, Muslims, and Christians alike, it is believed that this historical and religious destination will not be a target for violence and destruction. While the group was initially optimistic that they could remain in Israel to experience as much of their fourteen-day Holy Land tour as possible, they have recognized that the situation is escalating and they are seeking a way out of the country.
According to senior pastor, Brent McDougal, there are no American flights leaving or entering Israel at this time. Their only options are to wait for their scheduled flight home from Israel on October 21st, assuming that flights will be resuming by that time, or to cross the Israeli border into another country to catch a flight home.
If the US Navy begins evacuating US citizens trapped in Israel, this may present a third option for the groups’ safe return home. Events are being closely monitored so as to make the wisest and safest decisions for all involved.
Simultaneously, Father Dexter Noblefranca of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Memphis was among a tourist group of over forty people visiting the Holy Land, many of them being from the Memphis, Tennessee area.
While touring the town of Bethany just outside of Jerusalem, they heard explosions that were initially thought to be fireworks. In learning that they were, in actuality, hearing the sound of rockets striking Israel, they relocated their group to a northeastern area of the country.
An update on the Saint Patrick’s Facebook page says that Father Dexter has been communicating via email with his church, and that he and others are working to secure a way out of Israel at this time. Father Dexter has been cautioned against posting any information on social media, especially concerning travel plans.
Meanwhile, a woman in Middle Tennessee is prayerful that her sister and brother-in-law, who work in Israel, will be able to fly safely to the United States to seek refuge until the present threat has subsided. While originally able to obtain airline tickets, their flight has now been cancelled and the couple, who reside north of the Gaza Strip, are most concerned with staying safe until they can find another way to exit the country.
In 2019, Israel broke its tourism record with 4.55 million visitors to the country. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism projected that 2023 tourism would exceed the 2019 record. It remains to be seen how the conflict with Hamas will affect those numbers. In the meantime, family, friends, and churches request prayers for loved ones that are currently trapped and seeking a way out of Israel, as well as all of those experiencing the effects of this tragedy.
About the Author: Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
