Massachusetts Couple Stranded in Israel Amid Iran War

Nonprofit organization helping evacuate Americans from the Middle East as conflict continues

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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As the U.S. State Department urges Americans to leave more than a dozen countries across the Middle East amid the war with Iran, tens of thousands of U.S. citizens are scrambling to find a way back home. A Massachusetts couple visiting family in Israel are waiting for government-organized flights, while others are seeking help from a nonprofit rescue organization on the ground.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has led to airspace closures and disruptions to commercial travel across the Middle East, stranding thousands of American citizens who are now relying on government assistance or nonprofit evacuation efforts to safely return home.

The details

A Massachusetts couple named Shelly and her husband had planned to return to Boston earlier this week after visiting family in Israel, but remain stuck as commercial air travel in the region has largely come to a standstill. While waiting for a flight out, the couple has been volunteering in Israel, even as air raid sirens occasionally send people rushing to shelters. Shelly has contacted the U.S. Consulate to be placed on a list for flights being organized by the U.S. State Department, but is hesitant to try and leave through Egypt, one of the sole commercial travel routes available. Another option is the nonprofit organization Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-run group operating in the region to help evacuate Americans. The group's founder, Bryan Stern, said they have seen a surge in demand for help as the conflict continues, with hundreds of requests from people across the Middle East asking for assistance.

  • The Massachusetts couple had planned to return to Boston earlier this week.
  • Grey Bull Rescue recently helped U.S. citizens leave Mexico and Venezuela.

The players

Shelly

A Massachusetts native who is currently stuck in Israel with her husband while visiting family, and is waiting for government-organized flights to return home.

Bryan Stern

The founder and chairman of Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-run nonprofit organization operating in the Middle East to help evacuate Americans from the region amid the ongoing conflict.

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What they’re saying

“There were two sirens just during the three hours we were volunteering in the food kitchen. It was very urgent. People were running from all over because we knew this was serious.”

— Shelly (WBZ)

“Lots of Americans are in bad spots, and all these places have closed airspace, and they're trapped. I highly recommend against jumping on a bus and going anywhere.”

— Bryan Stern, Founder and Chairman, Grey Bull Rescue (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.