Trapped in Israel, Bradenton couple shares rescue experience

BRADENTON, Fla. — Tampa-based Grey Bull Rescue has brought home more than 7,000 people from dangerous and deadly situations worldwide. 

The nonprofit is an international organization, and its mission is to bring Americans home safely.

Recently, a Bradenton couple was among the people rescued from Israel during the country’s war with Iran.

Robyn and Neil Spirtas traveled to Israel to volunteer and planned to stay for two weeks. 

However, as they reached the end of their trip, they said everything changed. 

“We started getting the warnings about going to the bomb shelter,” Neil said. “We got word that our flight was canceled, that all our flights in and out of the area were stopping.”

At the time, they said the fighting had calmed down, and they felt safe going.  

Once they realized they couldn’t go home, the couple called everyone they could think of and were connected with Grey Bull Rescue.

Connecting with Grey Bull was a way to get back home, but it wasn’t an easy trip.

It included a three-day journey of buses and border crossings before a final flight home.

“When the plane touched down and everyone started cheering on the plane and the pilot came on and he said, ‘Welcome to Tampa,’” Robyn said. 

“Just very emotional,” Neil said.  

It’s not the trip the couple expected, but they’re undeterred and hope to go back and help those in need.