By COLlive reporter
Thousands of Israeli travelers around the globe found themselves grounded as flights were abruptly canceled following Israel’s surprise strike on Iran early Friday morning.
Air traffic in the region came to a halt when Israel launched a preemptive strike on the Islamic Republic’s military and nuclear infrastructure, which was intended to annihilate the Jewish state.
With just hours before Shabbos, travelers were unable to find alternative flights. Among the cities where large groups of Israelis were reported stranded were Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Larnaca, Cyprus.
Local Shluchim stepped in to rescue them. With little warning, Chabad centers in dozens of locations across Europe and the Middle East mobilized to provide warm Shabbos meals, places to sleep, and even basic necessities like blood pressure medication and baby formula.
In each location, Shluchim are having more food prepared and larger tables set to host the guests. Photos shared on social media show Jews from all walks of life being welcomed for davening, a place to rest and eat.
“Huge kudos, Chabadniks!” wrote journalist Sari Roth, who shared firsthand accounts. “Hearing reports from the ground… It’s amazing to see so many Shluchim hosting thousands of Israelis this Shabbos.”
She wrote that people have been calling Chabads in a panic, asking: ‘Can you find me a room? Can you help me get a taxi?’
As reported on COLlive.com, Chabad centers will be having extra security measures in place this Shabbos due to the ongoing war in Iran. Yet despite the unexpected disruption, many breathe a sigh of relief that the Iranian threat is now being subdued.
