A group of 54 New Zealanders are stranded in Jerusalem as the worst violence in decades rocks Israel. The group, who are on a pilgrimage, are struggling to find a flight home as flights are being cancelled to and from Israel during the escalating violence.
The group, who come from a variety of churches in New Zealand, arrived on October 3 and were scheduled to depart on October 12. However, their flight was cancelled by Turkish Airlines.
“The war is getting worse by the day and we need to get the government’s attention to get us back home to NZ soil,” said Pesi Sikalu, a member of the tour group.
“We’re trying to stay strong,” she said, “with our families back home all very concerned.”
The group has been in contact with the New Zealand High Commission and embassies, but they are still waiting for aid.
“We’re trying to find a flight for all of us to get on,” said Sikalu. “We don’t want to split up our group if we can help it.”
![54 New Zealanders on a pilgrimage in Jerusalem face travel woes amid Israel's worst violence in decades.](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AP21222325325824-convert.io_-1024x768.webp)
A group of 54 New Zealanders are stranded in Jerusalem as the worst violence in decades rocks Israel.
Sikalu said that the group feels safe at the moment in their Jerusalem hotel, but they are not exposed to much of the violence that is happening.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said that the government is currently in contact with New Zealanders who have registered on SafeTravel as being in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
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“We have received a steady number of calls and enquiries from New Zealanders seeking advice and information since the start of the conflict,” said an MFAT spokesperson. “We are also providing support to a small number of New Zealanders who require ongoing assistance.”
“We have no reason to believe any New Zealanders have been killed or injured,” MFAT said.
210 New Zealanders are registered on SafeTravel as being in Israel and 10 in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
MFAT has advised New Zealanders to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.