The U.S. State Department has
raised its travel advisory
For Israel at the highest level, and declared that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will close on Tuesday—meanwhile, the nation’s airports and seaports will remain shut down.
This arrived on the fourth day.
outbreak of open conflict between Israel and Iran,
which shows
no signs of slowing down.
An Illinois-based family is one of those stuck in Israel. CBS News Chicago managed to connect with Rachel Albert in southern Israel—who remains safely in her location but was weary from her search for a return journey late at night.
The Alberts traveled to Israel for an important life event. However, as they document their journey through photographs, what fills their albums instead are images and experiences reflecting turmoil.
“We have come here to mark my child’s bar mitzvah, and now we urgently want to return to the United States,” stated Rachel Albert.
The journey began as anticipated.
It was all magical and wonderful,” Albert stated, “until it became a nightmare.
Albert was journeying with her spouse, two teenagers, and her 80-year-old mother.
I have a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old with me,” said Albert, “and you should know — they’re witnessing missile attacks. We spend much of our time in the safe room several times daily. It’s incredibly challenging for them. They aren’t accustomed to this.
The Alberts saw flights disappear from the departure screens. With their return tickets being cancelled repeatedly—six times at minimum—Rachel Albert mentioned that they’ve stopped keeping track. Currently, they have no set strategy for heading back home.
Complete uncertainty surrounds our return journey; even the timing remains unknown,” stated Albert. “The U.S. Embassy has emphasized that they currently lack the capability to assist with evacuating American citizens. All air traffic is halted, and commercial flights appear to be sporadic rather than daily occurrences. This situation only adds to our fear.
This week, the State Department escalated its travel warning to Level 4 — “Do Not Travel.” It instructed U.S. government personnel to stay put. Consequently, the U.S. embassy will stay shuttered, along with the airports and ports of entry, although some restricted flights may still come in from nearby countries like Jordan and Egypt.
Rachel Albert is counting on somebody to devise a strategy for getting them back home.
Regarding assistance from elected officials, I am uncertain whether there is an established strategy at this moment,” Albert stated. “I believe individuals are putting effort into it. However, we do not sense their impact locally.
Albert mentioned that the issue impacts numerous individuals in Chicago as well. His wife, a doctor running her own private practice, shares his concern for their patients who depend on them for transportation.
Albert likewise mentioned that this option never occurred to her. Being extremely certain that everything would proceed smoothly, she did not bother purchasing travel insurance.
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