Stranded Israelis and Evacuees Find Refuge and Kosher Meals in Cyprus

LARNACA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus has unexpectedly become a critical point of transit for thousands of people affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The Mediterranean island is currently hosting two distinct groups: Jews evacuated from Israel and others attempting to return to the country.

Among them is Carrie Best-Lary, a Jewish woman from Weston, Florida, who had travelled to Israel for a cultural and spiritual journey under the Birthright Israel Foundation. What was intended to be a 10-day immersive experience turned into a perilous escape after Iranian missile strikes began raining down on Israeli cities.

“We saw explosions, we saw missiles,” Best-Lary recounted. “We heard sirens and immediately went to shelter. It’s a very scary time.”

She arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday from the Israeli port of Ashdod, hoping now to return home in time for her 50th birthday.

Cyprus as a Safe Haven

With airspaces closed and flights heavily delayed due to security concerns, hundreds of stranded individuals have converged on the Jewish Community Centre in Larnaca. The centre has become a temporary sanctuary, offering kosher meals, basic amenities, and phone-charging stations to evacuees.

Many of those stranded had been on Israel-bound flights that were diverted to Cyprus over the past several days. The number of people stuck on the island has rapidly increased, reaching approximately 6,500, up from 2,400 just days earlier.

Among those waiting is Yossi Levitan, a 44-year-old from Ramla in Israel. He was visiting his brother in Cyprus when the conflict escalated and is now attempting to return home to see his eight children and his first grandchild.

“If no flight takes off, maybe a chartered boat could take us,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re helping however we can.”

A Rabbi’s Mobilisation Effort

When at least 10 Israel-bound passenger flights were diverted to Larnaca’s main airport on Friday, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, quickly mobilised a response. Enlisting the help of the island’s 14 rabbis, he coordinated efforts to find accommodation during the peak of tourist season.

The Chabad Jewish Centre in Larnaca took charge of preparing kosher meals, while local residents provided shelter, and doctors offered medical assistance.

“New flights have been arriving from Hungary, Rome, Georgia, and New York. Everyone trying to reach Israel ends up here,” Rabbi Raskin said.

Special Flights and Desperate Journeys

Israel’s national carrier El Al has begun limited evacuation flights. One such flight on Wednesday included two mothers with children with special needs, as well as a groom en route to his wedding in Israel. Thanks to Raskin’s intervention, he made it in time.

However, arranging maritime alternatives has proven more difficult. Many yacht and boat charters have been cancelled at the last minute, and Raskin warns against expecting Cyprus to act as a stepping stone to Israel for those still abroad.

“Cyprus has become a door to Israel,” he said, “but we don’t have enough rooms or beds. Once the situation improves, you’ll be welcome.”

Key Facts

Cyprus, just 470 kilometres from Israel across the Mediterranean, now stands as a symbol of resilience and humanitarian cooperation amidst a rapidly evolving crisis.