A Davidson County Family Stuck in Jerusalem is sheltering in place after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered emergency alerts across Israel.
A graduation celebration has turned into a shelter-in-place situation overseas.
A Davidson County, North Carolina family is currently stuck in Jerusalem after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury early Saturday morning.
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The timing for this family was bad.
THEY ARRIVED JUST DAYS AGO
Chris Elliott and his daughter Riley Elliott, a senior at Central Davidson High School, traveled to Israel last week for what was described as a long-planned graduation “pilgrimage.” Riley reportedly wanted to be re-baptized in the Jordan River and visit biblical landmarks, including the Sea of Galilee.
They are traveling with members of Madison Heights Freewill Baptist, where Chris serves as assistant youth pastor.
The group arrived Wednesday. By Saturday, they were in a bomb shelter.
TENSIONS WERE ALREADY SKY HIGH
For weeks, headlines documented escalating military movements in the region. U.S. assets were being repositioned. Political leaders were exchanging threats. Analysts openly discussed the possibility of strikes.
Travel advisories for parts of the region have long warned about instability.
Yet they still went on the trip. Chris even stated that he supports the strikes on Iran – but they are scared and need prayers.
While the visit had reportedly been long planned, once tensions visibly intensified, reconsideration should have been warranted. When military hardware starts moving and emergency alerts start trending, some would say that’s not traveling to the Middle East vibes.
NOW THEY’RE SHELTERING IN PLACE
According to reports, the family is currently safe but sheltering when neccesary as emergency protocols remain active across parts of Israel amid fears of retaliation.
No injuries have been reported involving the group.
Still, what was meant to be a spiritual milestone has become a lesson for them.
For now, the Elliotts remain in Jerusalem, waiting for the situation to stabilize.
Back home in Davidson County, prayers are going up.
