Euro-bound Exodus
Germans Witnessing Resurgence of Israeli Visitors
In the heart of chaos: A group of Germans, trapped in Israel due to the Middle East's raging war between Iran, found solace on a special flight touching down in Frankfurt am Main last night. The aircraft, hailing from Amman's capital, was home to 171 passengers according to the Foreign Office.
Lionel Reich, one of the repatriated Germans, expressed his relief and apprehension, saying, "The past few days in Tel Aviv were nerve-wracking and full of anxiety. It was fine during the day, but at night, the air raid sirens would blare every couple of hours, instilling fear with each rocket impact." His sentiment was tinged with worry, as he shared the fate of friends living centrally in Tel Aviv, whose apartment was reduced to rubble.
Homecoming Euphoria, Political Criticism
Daniel Halav, another returnee, couldn't hide his joy at being home, but he didn't hold back his criticism either. "I've never been so ecstatic to be back," he admitted, but he also took the government to task, "We had to organize our own route to Amman. In my view, we were left to fend for ourselves. I think that's what we pay our taxes for, so the government takes care of us."
The embassy in Tel Aviv was closed for several days following Israel's attack on Iran last Friday. The sudden news of flights from Amman came at the last possible minute, causing some confusion and frustration. He went on to comment, "I think that's what you pay taxes for, so the government takes care of you."
The journey to Amman was described as "an adventure" by some passengers. In contrast, Poland organized a caravan to Jordan for its citizens stranded in the region. The Foreign Office explained that they elected against organized trips from Israel to the airport in Jordan due to potential additional risks. They instead encouraged stranded Germans to adhere to the security guidelines provided by the Israeli authorities and refrain from overland travel or gatherings.
Not Your Average Vacation Flight
A Foreign Office spokesperson previously explained that these flights are not part of an official repatriation or evacuation process. Instead, they are considered "commercial special flights" because the usual exit methods provided by the airlines were inadequate. The Foreign Office noted that these flights would continue as long as the situation permits and the need arises.
Tomorrow, another special flight is scheduled, but it is already fully booked. An additional flight is in the works, as announced by the ministry. The Foreign Office encourages citizens to register on its crisis preparedness list, Elefand.
At present, over 4,000 Germans are listed on the German crisis preparedness list, Elefand, indicating they are in Israel. In Iran, this number surpasses 1,000 registrations.
Iranian Evacuations on the Horizon
The Foreign Office spokesperson acknowledged the precarious situation in the region, stating, "The ongoing Israeli military operations in Iran continue, as does Iranian retaliation on Israel. In light of this, the airspace over these two countries remains closed, and there are no exit plans by air."
Germans in Iran are advised to travel overland to neighboring countries such as Armenia and Turkey, as border crossings there are open. It's also possible to exit via the border to Azerbaijan. Flights from these nations can help them reach Germany. "Germans should make use of these travel opportunities to continue their journey to Germany," the statement said. "Our embassy in Tehran will support the exit, whenever possible, including direct contact with the Iranian authorities."
In summary, the ongoing Israel-Iran air war has made commercial travel to and from Israel and Iran challenging, leading to insufficient exit options due to increased safety concerns, airspace restrictions, and political instability. Germany's special repatriation flights via Amman offer a secure escape during these trying times, while current travel advisories cautiously advise against non-essential travel to the conflict areas.
- The relief of repatriated Germans was evident, as they returned from their 'lifestyle' in Israel, upended by the Middle East's war, and finally landed on a special flight in Frankfurt am Main.
- Daniel Halav, another returnee, found joy in his 'travel' home, but also criticized the government for not providing enough support, stating, "We had to organize our own route to Amman. In my view, we were left to fend for ourselves."
