Florida State Senator Jay Collins has been in the Middle East for the past six days, working to help Americans evacuate from Israel amid rising tensions with Iran. Collins is collaborating with Grey Bull Rescue, serving as Florida’s liaison in this urgent effort. He reports that nearly 5,000 Americans are currently seeking to leave the area.
Collins emphasized the importance of getting people home safely. His team has been assisting Americans in reaching Jordanian airports for chartered flights back to the U.S. They have also helped evacuate around 1,500 Americans who were on a Birthright trip to Israel, arranging for them to travel to Cyprus by cruise ship before boarding flights home.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida is taking a leading role in these evacuation efforts, even for non-Floridians. Collins noted that the state is providing logistical and financial support, making it the only state government actively involved in this mission.
In addition to current evacuations, Florida has previously assisted by evacuating 200 Americans and sending two planes filled with supplies to Israel after the conflict escalated on October 7. Collins shared that he has encountered a diverse group of evacuees, including families with young children and elderly individuals. Many were surprised by the reality of missile attacks, having believed that Israel’s Iron Dome would protect them.
One evacuee, Newsweek editor Josh Hammer, described his experience of staying in a bomb shelter with his family after an Iranian missile struck nearby. He felt compelled to leave for the safety of his wife and six-month-old daughter.
Since the conflict began, Iran has launched over 450 missiles at Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and more than 1,200 injuries. The situation has also led to significant property damage and forced thousands to evacuate their homes.
Collins praised Grey Bull Rescue for their expertise and past successes, including rescuing Americans stranded in Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal last year. He hopes to evacuate another 300 to 600 people in the coming missions, with a preference for using chartered jets over ships.
Collins expressed appreciation for the cooperation from the Israeli government, which is currently facilitating repatriation flights for its own citizens stranded abroad. He noted that the Israeli and Jordanian governments have been very supportive of their efforts.
As a combat veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan, Collins remains focused on the mission despite the dangers of missile attacks. He acknowledged the effectiveness of Israel’s early warning system, which helps keep him and others safe.
Looking ahead, Collins is uncertain about the conflict’s resolution. He suggested that either Iran or Israel may need to back down, though he believes the latter is unlikely. He also mentioned the possibility of a significant change in Iran, which could lead to a more favorable relationship with the U.S. and a better situation for the Middle East.