News Summary
Students from Florida State University participated in a geopolitics tour in Israel but faced an escalating conflict marked by missile strikes. Initially based in Tel Aviv, the group experienced immediate danger and eventually had to evacuate to ensure their safety. The quick response by student body president and local authorities played a key role in their successful evacuation. This incident highlights the global risks faced by students studying abroad, especially in politically sensitive regions.
Tallahassee, Florida – Students from Florida State University (FSU) recently returned from Israel amid an escalating conflict involving Iranian missile strikes. The FSU students were part of a “geopolitical education tour” organized by Hillel at FSU, a Jewish campus organization, designed to provide students with insight into the region’s political and military issues.
The trip took place from June 4 to June 15, 2025, and included over 20 students, among them Madeline King, a member services coordinator at Florida TaxWatch Inc., who is expected to graduate in spring 2025. Although King comes from a Catholic background and is not Jewish, her selection for the trip highlights her leadership and commitment on campus. The tour aimed to educate students about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the complexities of the Middle East, encouraging participation across various religious backgrounds.
Initially, the group was stationed at the Salina Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv when they began to experience the impact of the conflict firsthand. Reports filtered in about missile strikes targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, with students being alerted to the alarming situation as missile sirens blared throughout the night. Seeking safety, the group utilized shelter in bunkers at various intervals, indicating the severity of the threat posed by the situation.
In light of the escalating violence, the group was relocated to the Royal Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek, closer to the Jordanian border, before ultimately being evacuated from Israel. FSU student body president Carson Dale played a critical role during this crisis, contacting government officials and university leaders for support regarding their safe evacuation. His efforts highlighted the urgency of the situation, especially when he recounted the experience of missile strikes occurring nearby, which instilled widespread fear among the group.
In coordination with state Senator Jay Collins, Dale worked alongside the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation to secure evacuation efforts. The organization’s founder, Bryan Stern, a decorated U.S. military veteran, executed strategic planning using density mapping to ensure the safety of the students during their exit from the conflict zone. Stern emphasized that their operations aimed to assist Americans in war zones, underscoring an inclusive approach irrespective of individuals’ backgrounds.
Communication and logistical support were facilitated by Brian Pelc, the director of Hillel at FSU, who maintained contact with the students throughout their ordeal, providing ongoing support and contributing to the safety efforts. In moments of distress, King found herself admiring the resilience displayed by the Israeli people, noting their ability to find joy even amidst chaotic circumstances.
The broader context surrounding this event included increasing tensions and hostilities between Israel and Iran, which have led to disruptions in various study abroad programs and endangered the health and safety of students. Reports indicated that the Birthright Israel Foundation facilitated the safe evacuation of over 2,800 young adults due to safety concerns, cancelling programs through July 10.
As part of these evacuation efforts, more than 1,400 Florida residents, including FSU students, have been brought back home from Israel, with state agencies assisting in the ongoing evacuation missions. The state’s Division of Emergency Management confirmed the successful rescue of over 160 Americans amidst the rising tensions and missile exchanges, highlighting the critical nature of their work in ensuring the safety of those caught in the conflict.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com
- USA Today
- WJHG
- Florida Politics
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Google Search: Israel evacuation students 2025
- Google Scholar: Israel foreign policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bryan Stern
- Google News: Middle East conflict 2025
