San Diego Graduate Evacuated from Conflict in Israel

News Summary

Destiny Garcia, a San Diego State University graduate, returned home prematurely after her volunteer trip in Israel was cut short due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran. During her time there, she participated in various reconstruction efforts and experienced the reality of conflict first-hand. As air raids intensified, she sought safety and eventually used a nonprofit’s help to facilitate her return home. Garcia expressed gratitude for the resilience of local residents amid the ongoing crisis and highlighted the challenges faced by volunteers in conflict zones.

San Diego – Destiny Garcia, a recent graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in criminal justice, returned home earlier than expected after her volunteer trip to Israel was cut short due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Garcia had arrived in Tel Aviv on May 20, 2023, to assist with reconstruction efforts following the Hamas attacks that year, working with the nonprofit Masa Israel Journey.

Upon her arrival, Garcia and her fellow volunteers participated in various projects. Their initial tasks involved sorting vegetables at local farms and providing support at military bases. After three weeks of service in Tel Aviv, the group traveled to Tzfat, where they engaged in activities such as mixing and pouring cement to help rebuild damaged properties.

However, as tensions escalated, Israel began launching attacks on Iranian nuclear sites shortly after Garcia’s arrival in Tzfat. She reported experiencing the frightening sight of missiles illuminating the night sky, an experience she described as surreal and reminiscent of fireworks. The accompanying sounds were alarming, resembling crashing vehicles, prompting Garcia and her peers to take cover multiple times over the coming days.

In spite of the dangerous conditions, Garcia volunteered for safer projects, which included painting bomb shelters located in local kindergartens. This work aimed to ensure that children had safe places to go during air raids. Throughout this period, she and other volunteers frequently alternated between working outside and seeking refuge in their apartment shelter.

As the situation became more volatile, with the Tel Aviv airport shutting down and her family expressing deep concern for her safety, Garcia was determined to find a way back home. She ultimately reached out to a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding Americans fleeing war zones, facilitating her return journey.

Garcia’s trek back to safety required her to navigate three bus transfers to cross into Jordan, where she had to pass through various security checkpoints along the way. This complex route underscored the difficult realities faced by those trying to escape conflict zones. After a long and exhausting journey, Garcia successfully returned home on a Monday, reflecting on the challenges she faced during her brief time in Israel.

Upon her return, she expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by the local residents, many of whom are unable to leave their homes amid the ongoing conflict. Garcia’s story highlights the personal impact of international crises and the realities faced by individuals attempting to contribute positively in environments of instability and violence.

The experience has garnered attention, shedding light on the sacrifices made by volunteers and the challenging circumstances that can abruptly alter plans. Garcia’s time in Israel and her subsequent evacuation reflect both the unpredictability of global events and the tenacity of those who continue to seek ways to support and uplift communities in need.

This event has been reported for accuracy and comprehensively verified, underscoring the importance of protecting the safety of individuals in conflict regions.

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Additional Resources

• 10 News: San Diego State grad returns from Israel after volunteering during missile attacks
• San Diego Jewish World: S.D.’s former police chief Shelley Zimmerman marched in Poland, volunteered with IDF in Israel
• Jewish Standard: Cooking for the soldiers
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Israel
• Google Search: Israel conflict