Naples church group books flight home after war in Israel
"We're going to turn the worries into worship, and we're going to turn fear into faith," the Rev. Alan Brumack of Naples said. Some 53 of his church's members will fly out Thursday.
Members of a Naples church await their flight home from a Jerusalem hotel Thursday as a war begins between Hamas and Israel, visiting holy sites and praying.
The First Baptist Church of Naples took 53 of its members on a trip to Israel on Oct. 2. The group has a flight scheduled to leave the country out of Tel Aviv at 12:15 a.m. Thursday, the Rev. Alan Brumback, who is on the trip with his family, said in a Facebook Live update.
'We are not going to let the enemy steal our joy'
He said the group has been able to do some touring; members visited the Western Wall and spent time praying for the city of Jerusalem on Sunday.
"We're going to turn the worries into worship, and we're going to turn fear into faith," he said. "We are not going to let the enemy steal our joy."
Hamas attacked Israel Saturday morning, launching thousands of missiles and publicly kidnapping and killing civilians. The dead and kidnapped include Americans, but Monday reports did not confirm who they were.
Israel's defense minister ordered a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip on Monday. The country launched retaliatory strikes, hitting mosques and a marketplace.
As the war wages on, the church group has remained safe with adequate food and accommodations in its hotel and is hopeful its flight will still leave as scheduled, Brumback said.
A few of the members flew home before the scheduled flight. Others who had flights booked separate from the group have had their plans disrupted, Brumback said. He asked for prayers for those who need to get secure flights.
Congressman, leaders call for assistance
The pastor also told his followers the group has been in contact with U.S. House representatives and senators to discuss alternative plans to leave Israel. However, there are no definitive solutions as of Monday evening.
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Republican U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds, who represents Southwest Florida, told CNN the government needs to provide every assistance possible to get Americans back from Israel.
"I have 53 members of my constituency who are in Jerusalem right now," he said. "Obviously, they are panicked, trying to find their way to get back to America."
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples issues statement
Jeffrey Feld, president and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples issued a statement about the war, sending prayers for those injured and killed in the conflict.
"Once again, on a holy day of the Jewish calendar, the people of Israel have come under attack," he wrote. "Once again, the brave military forces of the State of Israel are responding and will defend our beloved Jewish state."
Hamas attacked on Simchat Torah, when Jews celebrate reading the Torah.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples opened an emergency relief mailbox for the victims. Donations can be sent to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, 4720 Pine Ridge Road, Naples 34119. Feld advised checks be written out to "Israel Emergency Relief."
Emma Behrmann is a breaking news reporter for Naples Daily News and News-Press. You may contact her at emma.behrmann@naplesnews.com.