Stressful Homecoming: Germans Stranded in Israel During Iran Conflict Arrive in Germany
Germans welcoming Israeli returnees
Balmy relief enveloped Frankfurt am Main's largest airport as a special flight from the Jordanian capital of Amman touched down on Wednesday evening. The flight carried 171 Germans who were stranded in Tel Aviv due to the volatile conflict between Iran and Israel.
"The past few days in Tel Aviv have been nerve-wracking, with an air raid alert every two or three hours during the night," recounted Lionel Reich on his arrival. The impending sounds of rocket impacts sent chills down his spine, but the solid ground beneath his feet in Germany felt like a breath of fresh air. Despite his relief, he remained anxious; his friends, residing in the heart of Tel Aviv, lost their home to the conflict's brutal carnage.
A Bittersweet Welcome
"Never has my heart been so glad to be home," remarked Daniel Halav, another grateful passenger who had been stranded in Tel Aviv. Yet, his gratitude was tinged with criticism aimed at the German government. "Initially, we were left to fend for ourselves in figuring out how to reach Amman. From my perspective, that wasn't the level of care I'd expect," he lamented. The German embassy in Tel Aviv had been closed for several days following Israel's attacks on Iran last Friday. The short-notice news about flights from Amman came as a welcome surprise but left some feeling that they were somewhat abandoned in their time of need. "I think that's what we taxpayers expect—the government to look after us during crises," Halav reflected.
Others reported that the journey to Amman was an "adventurous escapade."
Differing from Europe, Poland organized a convoy to Jordan for their citizens. The Foreign Office justified not organizing trips from Israel to the airport in Jordan by explaining the possibility of creating additional risks. "Initially, our advice to those affected on the ground was to adhere to the security instructions of the Israeli authorities. And they continue to stress the importance of avoiding overland travel and large gatherings," stated a spokesperson.
The special flight wasn't part of a repatriation or evacuation operation, but rather "commercial special flights" since the airlines' flight options were insufficient. The ministry announced that more flights would continue "if the situation permits and there is a need."
A special flight is scheduled for Thursday, but it is already fully booked, with another flight in the works, according to the ministry's announcement.
Germans in Iran Advised to Leave
The Foreign Office advises Germans in Iran to depart the country through the neighboring countries of Armenia and Turkey, as border crossings there remain open. In some cases, it is possible to exit via the border to Azerbaijan. From all three countries, one can continue to Germany with commercial flights. "The military operations of the Israelis in Iran continue, as does Iranian shelling on Israel. Therefore, the airspace over these countries remains closed and there are no flight options for departure," explained a spokesperson.
The situation in the region is escalating, with the airspace over Iran and Israel remaining closed due to the ongoing conflict. With limited flight options available, Germans in Iran are encouraged to take advantage of the open border crossings and continue their journey to Germany. "Our embassy in Tehran will provide assistance in facilitating departures, if possible, such as arranging direct contact with the Iranian authorities," stated the ministry.
- Due to the tense conflict between Iran and Israel, some Germans found their lifestyle disrupted while they were stranded in Tel Aviv, causing them to long for general news about a return to normality.
- While travel had been a source of stress during their isolation in Tel Aviv, the journey home to Germany was a welcome relief, although tinged with bitterness for some over the perceived lack of support from the German government during their ordeal.
- As the political situation in the Middle East continues to escalate due to conflicts and closed airspace, Germans in Iran now face new travel challenges, prompting the German government to advise them to adopt alternative modes of transport, like border crossings, to reach general news and safety in Germany.
