South Florida native stuck in Israel amid US-Iran conflict

Man says situation is "very, very dangerous" as he struggles to return home to the U.S.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A South Florida man named Scott Wayne, who is currently stuck in Jerusalem, Israel, says the situation is "very, very dangerous" amid the ongoing military conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Wayne, who has a medical condition, is having trouble getting back home to the U.S. and is frustrated that the government is not responding to his requests for help.

Why it matters

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have created a dangerous situation for American citizens trapped in Israel, which has come under missile attacks from Iran. This story highlights the challenges faced by some U.S. travelers who are struggling to safely return home during an international crisis.

The details

Wayne, a resident of Aventura, Florida, says he is having a hard time constantly taking the four flights of stairs up and down to his bomb shelter due to his medical condition. He has reached out to the government for help through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), as well as his congressional representative, but has not received any response. Meanwhile, another South Florida resident, the husband of Briana Dvorah Biton, is desperately trying to get back to Israel to be with his six children as they take shelter from the missile attacks.

  • The joint military operation by the U.S. and Israel in Iran started over the weekend.
  • Iran has responded by launching missiles into Israel.

The players

Scott Wayne

A South Florida native who is currently stuck in Jerusalem, Israel and is trying to return home to the U.S. amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

Briana Dvorah Biton

The wife of a South Florida resident who is currently stuck in South Florida and is desperately trying to get back to Israel to be with their six children as they take shelter from missile attacks.

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What they’re saying

“It's very, very dangerous here. It's very, very scary here.”

— Scott Wayne

“It's so hard for me to sleep here because I can't help you, and I can be there for you, and I can't even tell you when I'm going to be back. You know, as a father and as a father and a husband, that's very difficult.”

— Briana Dvorah Biton's husband

What’s next

El Al, the national airline of Israel, said it would be setting up repatriation flights for U.S. citizens once the airspace reopens. Other airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways have also cancelled flights to and from Israel, but are operating some repatriation flights.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges faced by American citizens trapped in Israel during the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. It underscores the importance of government assistance and coordination to help safely evacuate U.S. travelers from dangerous situations abroad.