How 2,800 Birthright participants were safely evacuated by sea during wartime.
Meet the Man Behind the Mission: Nimrod Ran, Taglit’s COO
In June, as tensions in Israel escalated, Taglit Birthright Israel moved quickly to evacuate 2,800 participants. Leading the operation was Nimrod Ran, Taglit’s Chief Operating Officer. In this exclusive conversation, Nimrod takes us behind the scenes of the historic maritime evacuations, explains how Taglit bounced back, and shares his vision for what’s next.
Nimrod began his career in the military, where he served as the commander of Golani’s 12th Battalion and later led the Bislamach Brigade, the IDF’s central training unit for infantry squad commanders. Before completing his service, he was appointed as the IDF’s liaison to TRADOC, the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.
After his military career, Nimrod worked with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as a consultant specializing in urban warfare and later served as the CEO of the Lod Municipality, driving strategic development and civic resilience. Since 2008, he has been at the heart of Taglit’s operational leadership, guiding its growth and dependability for over 15 years. As COO, Nimrod oversees Taglit’s day-to-day operations: flights, buses, accommodations, logistics, and educational infrastructure—ensuring both magic and safety for tens of thousands of participants each year.
A Season Like No Other: War Breaks Out, Taglit Responds
“Since the horrific events of October 7th, our top priority has been the safety and security of our participants,” Nimrod shares.
In October 2023, as war broke out in Israel, Taglit adapted rapidly. First, it helped relocate 2,000 displaced Israelis. Then it launched an emergency volunteer program, bringing 4,000 volunteers in 2023 alone. By January 2024, all programs had resumed with one non-negotiable condition: every housing facility must include access to a bomb shelter.
When the Sky Closed: A Crisis Begins
The first major challenge of 2025 struck on May 5, when a missile from Yemen hit Ben Gurion Airport. Many airlines suspended flights to Israel. “We had to move quickly to find alternative solutions,” Nimrod recalls. “Thankfully, everyone came—even through Ethiopia.”
By June 13, war had spread. At 3 a.m., Nimrod texted Taglit’s HQ:
“This time the situation is different. We’ll need to reorganize, regroup, and redeploy.”
Taglit activated its four guiding principles for crisis response:
- 1. Participant safety
- 2. Participant well-being
- 3. Evacuation
- 4. Meaningful Experience
First, all groups were relocated from major cities to safer areas like Eilat and the Dead Sea. They received shelter, meals, medical and mental health support, and communication access.
Then came the impossible: planning a sea evacuation.
Sea Over Sky: The Maritime Evacuation Unfolds
With air and land routes closed, Nimrod looked to the sea.
“Everyone told me it was impossible. But I knew what we could do at Taglit.”
He contacted Manu Cruises, the Ministry of Transportation, Homefront Command, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Sokolsky of Birthright North America reached out to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who pledged four charter jets for American participants.
- June 15: Israel gives permission for a sea evacuation.
- June 16: The first ship leaves Ashdod for Larnaca.
- June 20: A luxury cruise ship carrying 1,300 passengers sets sail for Limassol.
Education Under Fire: Learning Doesn’t Stop
Even while waiting for ships, Taglit’s groups held meaningful educational activities.
“This is our fourth principle,” Nimrod explains. “Even under fire, the mission continues.”
Discussions explored Jewish resilience, and local educators offered music and storytelling sessions. Education, even in chaos, remained central.
Chaos in Cyprus: Plan B on the Fly
“It was chaos!” Nimrod says.
Plans in Larnaca unraveled: hotels were full, charter flights vanished. Out of four promised jets, only one landed—and immediately turned around.
Thousands of Israelis had also arrived in Cyprus, crowding hotels and flights.
“We were basically operating on two fronts… and determined to leave no one behind.”
Taglit sent participants to the local Chabad House, ensuring their safety and basic needs. Back in Israel, the second ship was being loaded.
Values in Action: What Makes Taglit Unique
Despite obstacles, Taglit’s team, led by Nimrod and CEO Gidi Mark, showed determination, strategic clarity, and a commitment to values.
This wasn’t just a logistical success—it was a moral mission to protect, educate, and inspire. “Taglit is deeply committed to the safety of its participants,” Nimrod says.
“That’s why we built a professional infrastructure that enabled the evacuation and safe return of those who were displaced.”
Check out the Coverage: Operation Rising Lion in the News
The Wall Street Journal – With Israel’s Major Airport Shut Down, Citizens, Tourists Stuck, Scramble to Get Home
The Times of Israel – Birthright evacuates 1,500 participants to Cyprus via cruise ship
CBS News – American students, tour groups in Israel waiting to evacuate amid missile strikes from Iran
eJewish Philanthropy – Birthright evacuates 1,500 participants stuck in Israel due to ongoing conflict on a luxury cruise ship
After the Storm: Participants Return, Programs Resume
Following the ceasefire, on July 6, participants returned to Israel.
Nearly 15,600 young adults are expected this season.
Programs like Classic, Onward, and Excel have been restructured to meet the moment. With subsidies, flexible rescheduling, and new formats, no one is left behind.
Help Us Keep Moving: Why Your Support Matters
Operation Rising Lion required significant resources.
If you’re inspired by this story, consider contributing to help Taglit continue to provide safe, transformative journeys, even in the face of crisis.
