Back From Jordan, Yeshiva Bochurim Reunite with Families in NY

By COLlive Reporter

After days of uncertainty and travel through multiple countries, a group of Lubavitcher bochurim studying in Tzfas were finally reunited with their families in New York on Sunday, bringing an end to a five-day ordeal that began amid the war in Israel.

The bochurim, students at Yeshivas Tzeirei Hashluchim Mesivta in Tzfas, were among more than 60 Lubavitcher students who became stranded in Jordan after an evacuation effort for American citizens turned into an extended and complicated journey.

Sunday afternoon, families gathered with excitement and relief as the boys arrived back in New York, embracing parents and siblings after nearly a week of uncertainty that had taken them from Israel to Jordan and then to Washington, DC before continuing home.

The travel was arranged by Grey Bull Rescue, led by Olivia and Bryan Stern, who arranged for them to be evacuated through Jordan. On Purim afternoon, they were transported to Amman and placed in a secure five-star hotel, where they were required to remain indoors due to security concerns.

Soon afterward, 35 Bais Rivkah seminary girls joined them after also being unable to leave Israel as planned.

The plan had been for the entire group to fly from Jordan to Athens and then onward to the United States, but repeated delays—including airspace closures and missiles flying over Jordan—pushed the trip back day after day. At one point, the group even went to the airport hoping to depart for Athens before Shabbos, but the flight was canceled and they were forced to return to the hotel.

With limited food available, the students survived largely on snacks for several days. When it became clear they would remain in Jordan for Shabbos, efforts were made to bring them proper meals. Rabbi Sholom Duchman of Colel Chabad mobilized to prepare food in Israel, but the shipment was confiscated by Jordanian border authorities.

Behind the scenes, many individuals worked to help secure their return. Ari Tamari and Mendy Schreiber contacted Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, who helped mobilize assistance from President Donald Trump, and U.S. officials, Secretary of State Marc Rubio, and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan James Holtsnider and his team.

As the bochurim arrived home Sunday, the powerful feeling that Chassidim are one family was felt by all who followed the dramatic journey from afar.