Recently, many Israeli reservist youths have returned home from the United States, carrying a large amount of supplies and power banks, with mixed emotions, some laughing, some crying. According to the Daily Mail, New York's Kennedy International Airport recently witnessed a large number of Jews gathering to see off their compatriots who are about to return to Israel. As the two young men walked to the security checkpoint, they were greeted with applause and cheers.
At this particular time, the returnees to Israel include a number of IDF reservists who are ready to join the army or provide material support. Others were trying to reunite with their families, with one man mentioning that his pregnant wife and 3/2-year-old daughter were hiding in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv and that he desperately needed to return home.
Noah Nierenberg, a 22-year-old Orthodox youth who has lived in New York for a long time, decided to return to Israel to serve, a decision that was supported by his entire family, including his parents, grandfather and sister. Nirenberg said he would join the field artillery of the special tank unit, but he could not give further details. He carried a huge duffel bag containing supplies for Israeli frontline soldiers, including a large number of power banks and books he cherished.
Nirenberg's father said his son had received a scholarship from Yeshiva University and had been offered a postponement of his service. However, at this moment of urgency, he decided to fulfill his obligations. The father said they loved their child and didn't want to see him hurt, but they were proud of him.
Almost all those who returned to Israel carried large amounts of luggage and, like Nirenberg, were intended for Wehrmacht soldiers, many of them donations from native Americans. Shipping personnel said the supplies would be distributed accurately and the donors' goodwill would not be wasted. In addition to the power bank, the soldiers also need shock-proof watches and non-reflective rain gear.
While Nirenberg left his family with a smile, others left in tears. Avia Marka said she decided to return to Israel to spend time with her family, where her parents and grandparents live. Community leaders and neighbors came to see her off.
Due to the tense situation, most airlines have grounded flights to Israel, the only one offering this service is EL AL, so flying from New York to Tel Aviv has become very difficult, and tickets for the next ten days are sold out. Airfare costs for some reservist youth are covered by volunteers.
At the same time, Israeli families have had to return home, struggling to come to other countries in search of temporary safety and living uncertain lives despite living under the shelter of others.