The U.S. authorities is working to get Americans stuck in Israel out on charter flights beginning Friday, but there’s a catch: the tickets aren’t free.
A photojournalist with NBC Bay Area is in Israel and shared what he has been instructed.
“As soon as we head to the airport, we have to sign a waiver saying that we have to pay the country back, the money. You know, the ticket,” he stated. “I’m feeling a little frustrated. Because last Wednesday, some counties with less resources — they sent planes to get people out. The United States has so many resources, and the only help we’re getting is a ticket to a different country. From there, we have to figure out how to get home.”
In e-mail offered to NBC Bay Area, the State Department writes, in half: “You will be asked to sign an agreement to repay the U.S. government prior to department. You should be prepared to arrange your own lodging and onward travel … to your final destination. U.S. Embassy officials will be available to help you when you arrive.”
