A group of Texas tourists, who embarked on an educational journey to Israel with the Florida-based tour company Mejdi Tours, now find themselves in a precarious situation as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. These Lone Star State visitors are anxiously awaiting confirmation of safe passage out of the country while the volatile situation unfolds around them.
Mejdi Tours, founded by Aziz Abu Sarah and Scott Cooper, has long been dedicated to providing travelers with unique and immersive experiences in regions deeply impacted by religious and political divisions. This innovative company offers a distinct approach, employing both a Jewish or Israeli guide and a Palestinian guide on their tours. This dual-guide system allows tourists to gain a multifaceted perspective on the complex historical and cultural landscape of Israel and the occupied territories.
The co-founders, Abu Sarah and Cooper, come from diverse backgrounds themselves. Abu Sarah, with Palestinian roots, and Cooper, who is Jewish, aim to foster understanding and empathy among their tour participants. Their tours serve as a microcosm of their mission: to break down the barriers of ignorance, fear, and hatred that have divided communities for generations.
In the wake of the surprise attack by Hamas militants in Gaza, the Texas tourists chose to remain in Israel as they awaited their chance to leave through neighboring Jordan. Aziz Abu Sarah, ever committed to his mission, emphasized the group’s collective heartbreak and the pervasive sense of despair that has gripped the country.
While nearly 50 American tourists were in Israel at the time of the Hamas attack, the majority managed to exit the country safely through Jordan. However, this particular group from Texas, driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the region, made the difficult decision to stay behind.
The conflict, which escalated into a full-fledged war following the attack, has already claimed the lives of over 1,100 people on both sides, with thousands more suffering injuries. The violence shows no signs of abating as Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel, met with retaliatory airstrikes.
The situation took a grim turn when CNN reported on video evidence showing at least four civilians who had been killed while in the custody of Hamas militants near the Gaza border. The authenticity of these videos was verified by the news outlet, raising concerns about the safety of hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Among these hostages are high-ranking army officers and individuals from various nationalities.
The community of Be’eri, situated just three miles from the eastern border of Gaza, was one of the first to bear the brunt of the Hamas attack. Israeli authorities confirmed that most Hamas militants in Be’eri have been neutralized, but Israeli troops are working tirelessly to secure the area and eliminate any remaining threats.
As the conflict rages on, the fate of the hostages remains uncertain. Reports indicate that Hamas has taken more than 100 Israelis hostage, with their location in Gaza unknown. Another Palestinian armed group, Islamic Jihad, has also claimed to be holding at least 30 hostages in Gaza, though these claims remain unverified.
The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with Israel deploying troops and maintaining a state of high alert along its borders to safeguard vulnerable areas and prevent further incursions. The Texas tourists, like many others caught in the crossfire, can only hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict that has touched the lives of so many on both sides.