New Jersey teen faces missile strikes while stuck in Israel
- Abigail Inglis, a New Jersey teen, was on a semester abroad program in Israel when conflict erupted.
- Her planned return was disrupted, leading to a week of dangerous conditions and uncertainty.
- Abigail expressed a desire to return to Israel, demonstrating her enduring love for the country despite the challenging experience.
A 17-year-old named Abigail Inglis from New Jersey found herself trapped in Israel amid escalating hostilities with Iran. She was participating in a semester abroad program located in a campus area outside Tel Aviv. Originally scheduled to return to the United States on June 18, the outbreak of the conflict led to a sudden change in her travel plans. Communication with her worried family was distressing, as Abigail texted her mother about nearby missile strikes and her frequent need to find shelter. Instances where her group attempted to leave became complicated when their scheduled flights were canceled, heightening anxiety among the students. During the nights leading up to her eventual departure, Abigail described intense moments caused by the sirens that warned of oncoming attacks directing them toward the shelters. This resulted in a week of disrupted routines and constant fear as they sought safety from missile strikes occurring multiple times a night. Videos captured by Abigail depict these frightening incidents: missiles fired into the night sky and students coping with the stress of the environment. Despite the urgency of their circumstances, she expressed that her experience in Israel held significant value for her personal growth. After days of uncertainly, the group managed to secure a passage out of Israel by boat bound for Cyprus. The journey, which lasted about 16 hours, was described by Abigail as chaotic, with everyone scrambling to board the vessel quickly. Post arrival in Cyprus, she finally boarded a flight heading to Athens, then on to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The experience culminated in a joyful reunion with her family at JFK upon her safe return home, providing a moment of relief after the harrowing ordeal. Abigail returned home with an Israeli flag signed by her peers as a reminder of her time in the country. Reflecting on her experience, she conveyed a deep appreciation for Israel and stated her willingness to return in the future despite the anxiety she faced during the conflict. This sentiment is particularly poignant given the context of the conflict and its impact on her travel plans and emotional state throughout her journey.