Moshe Roth facilitates daring rescue of stranded Israelis in Jordan

Amidst escalating tensions in the region, Israel faced significant airspace restrictions due to a war with Iran, leaving tens of thousands of Israelis stranded abroad. In this context, a group of families, who had flown from Larnaca, Cyprus, arrived at the Israel-Jordan border at Aqaba late at night but found themselves in a precarious situation. The crossing had closed earlier than expected and was not scheduled to open until morning, which posed a severe risk and was classified under a high travel warning by the National Security Council advising against travel to Jordan. Moshe Roth, an ultra-Orthodox Member of Knesset representing the United Torah Judaism party, received an emergency call from the stranded families on Friday night. Recognizing the immediate danger they were in, without security assistance and facing the Sabbath prohibitions, he acted swiftly to mobilize a rescue operation. He contacted various government officials, including Deputy Transportation Minister Uri Maklev and members from security departments, enabling the diplomatic efforts necessary to facilitate the group's safe passage. Through Roth’s negotiations, the Jordanian authorities agreed to temporarily open the border for the stranded Israelis, allowing them to transit safely. The group was escorted under police protection to the border crossing, which was mere minutes away from their prior location. At around 3 a.m., they successfully passed into Israel, bringing an end to their risky ordeal. This incident highlighted the rapid response and advocacy efforts of Knesset members, showcasing their commitment to assist citizens regardless of background or belief during emergencies. The families expressed profound gratitude for the assistance they received and emphasized that their help came with genuine care, transcending political and religious divides.