Fears over escalating Iranian missile attacks have driven an increasing number of Israeli civilians to leave their country by sea, navigating dangerous routes approximately 240 nautical miles to Cyprus.
Shoreside marinas, especially in Herzliya—a coastal suburb north of Tel Aviv—have transformed into impromptu evacuation terminals, where individuals and families wait at dawn for private yachts willing to carry them to safety, according to an investigation by Haaretz.
The closure of Israel’s airspace has forced many citizens to seek alternative escape routes. With flights grounded and land borders to Jordan and Egypt limited, marinas in Herzliya, Haifa, and Ashkelon are now transit hubs for small, privately-run sea vessels ferrying passengers to Cyprus, as reported by Haaretz and Al Mayadeen. The demand has pushed prices between 2,500 and 6,000 shekels, and in some cases higher, depending on vessel size and speed.
Despite the risks—rough waters, inadequate insurance, and unregulated operators—evacuees appear determined. Many are unwilling to speak openly, but sources indicate that fear of missile attacks is a strong motivator.
Some say they are not Israeli residents but are simply returning home, while others want temporary refuge to reunite with family abroad. One man from Haaretz described the situation at Herzliya, portraying it as a makeshift terminal filled with anxious individuals dragging luggage and seeking any vessel bound for Cyprus.
Security briefings are being provided onboard some vessels, advising passengers on motion sickness, sea protocols, and night patrols. “During the night, we will stand guard,” one captain informed six serious passengers, also cautioning them to use the stern if seasickness strikes. They were also advised to carry lemon and medication.
The exodus follows a complex evacuation scenario: Israel’s airspace has been closed since Friday, stranding an estimated 50,000 citizens abroad, as reported by Reuters. Cyprus has become a key hub, with Israelis waiting in Larnaca and Haifa port. Some—like Birthright participants—have been evacuated by cruise liners, including Mano Maritime’s “Crown Iris,” with government assistance.
Cypriot hospitality has also been mobilized. The chief rabbi of Cyprus organized accommodations in synagogues and homes. Over a thousand evacuees were reported in synagogues in Nicosia and Larnaca, many facing uncertainty and yearning for home.
