Bengaluru group stranded in Israel for a week returns home

Bengaluru: An 18-member delegation from the Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC), stranded in Israel for nearly a week amid the ongoing war with Iran, returned to the city on Thursday evening.

The delegation had gone to Israel for a study tour from June 7 to 13, co-hosted by the Ministry of External affairs. Their itinerary included studying citizen participation in urban policy, water and environmental sustainability, and engaging with the public.

The delegation included members focused on civic leadership, urban policymaking and sustainability.

Their scheduled departure from Tel Aviv on June 13 was disrupted due to the closure of the Israeli airspace.

Upon learning of the airport closure, B.PAC initiated coordination efforts with the Israel consulate, the government of Karnataka and the Ministry of External Affairs, to ensure the safe return of the delegates. The Indian ambassador in Israel was also contacted for local support.

Sharath S R, Manager of B.PAC, said that Orli Weitzman, the Israeli Consul General of South India based in Bengaluru, who had accompanied the delegation, ensured their security and safety during their extended stay in Tel Aviv. She assisted the delegates in finding safe shelter in bunkers and managed their security and transport needs, he added.

The delegates were subsequently transported by road from Tel Aviv to Jordan, from where they boarded their return flight.

"Our first priority was their safety, and their families are eagerly awaiting their safe return. This has been a coordinated effort from everyone, including the Government of Karnataka and the Ministry of External Affairs, to safely bring back the delegates," Sharath said.

The group flew from Jordan to Mumbai on Wednesday night and reached Bengaluru at 5.30 pm on Thursday, another member of B.PAC said.