Idaho Falls Pastor Escapes Conflict Zone in Israel

Alicia Ramos recounts harrowing journey home with group of 117 women pastors

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Alicia Ramos, an Idaho Falls pastor, was part of a group of 117 women pastors visiting Israel when the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated. Ramos and her group found themselves caught in the crossfire, forced to make a harrowing escape that involved traveling by bus, walking to the border in Egypt, and turning off their phones for security reasons. Despite the chaos and danger, Ramos says the group remained calm and focused on prayer, which helped them find the strength to reach safety.

Why it matters

This story highlights the risks and challenges faced by Americans caught in international conflicts, as well as the resilience and faith of religious leaders like Ramos who are committed to their spiritual journeys even in the face of grave danger. It also provides insight into the daily realities of living with the threat of violence for families in Israel.

The details

Ramos was the only representative from Idaho in the group of 117 women pastors visiting Israel. As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, the group's pilgrimage quickly turned into a desperate mission for survival. They traveled by bus through danger zones and even walked to the border in Egypt to make it back home safely. Despite the explosions and alarms, the group remained calm and turned to prayer to find the peace and focus needed to plan their escape.

  • Ramos and the group of 117 women pastors were in Israel when the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated.
  • As the conflict intensified, the group had to quickly shift their mission from ministry to evacuation.
  • The group was eventually able to evacuate from the Galilee region by bus and cross into Egypt on foot.

The players

Alicia Ramos

An Idaho Falls pastor who was part of a group of 117 women pastors visiting Israel when the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated.

117 women pastors

A group of women pastors from across the United States, including Alicia Ramos, who were visiting Israel when the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified.

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What they’re saying

“Is it safe? Is it wise that we keep going? But there was just this clear consensus across the board that we were supposed to be there.”

— Alicia Ramos, Idaho Falls pastor (localnews8.com)

“As much as it was alarming to hear it, the calm and the peace that was over everyone on our trip, there wasn't like a scrambling, running, to the bomb shelters. There was just this calmness.”

— Alicia Ramos, Idaho Falls pastor (localnews8.com)

“What do we do next? Because now we're in the middle of middle of israel with the 117 women. And how, you know, how do we keep everyone safe? How are we going to get out of here? The airports are shut down.”

— Alicia Ramos, Idaho Falls pastor (localnews8.com)

“Even though there were still alarms going off, it was just decided that the best option was for us to pray, and make our way across Israel, out of Israel, and into Egypt.”

— Alicia Ramos, Idaho Falls pastor (localnews8.com)

“Think, honestly, when we were told to turn off our phones, my biggest thought was my family back home. because I feel like, to some extent, our families back home, we're working through a lot more difficulty than we were here.”

— Alicia Ramos, Idaho Falls pastor (localnews8.com)

What’s next

Ramos and the other pastors in the group have safely returned to the United States, but the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran remains a concern. The group's experience has given Ramos a new perspective on the daily challenges faced by families living in Israel.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and faith of religious leaders like Alicia Ramos, who are willing to put themselves in harm's way to pursue their spiritual journeys. It also serves as a reminder of the human toll of international conflicts, and the importance of supporting those caught in the crossfire, both at home and abroad.