The director of St. Paul's Eastern Shore Episcopal Church and several church members finally got out of Israel Friday after days of trying to leave.
The group, led by Rev. Thack Dyson, was in Tel Aviv Saturday when Palestinian Hamas terrorists attacked Jews. They were traveling with Immanuel Tours, a company that offers tours of the Holy Land. The company moved the group to Northern Israel, to the Galilee region. That's where they stayed while they awaited flights out of the country.
The group trickled out, and all are expected to return home sometime this weekend. However, it is unclear where they all are because church members said they are spread worldwide.
The group asked for prayers after leaving Israel and also asked for prayers for those who were still stuck in Israel.
"Many of these folks have become dear friends to our faith community of St Paul's," a post on the church's Facebook page stated. "May we continue to fervently pray for God's protection over Israel and peace in His Holy land."
Throughout the journey, Dyson has continued to hold prayers on social media and update those praying for his safe return.
More than 1,200 people were killed in Israel, including 27 Americans. At least 1,417 were killed in Gaza following retaliatory airstrikes by Israel.
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