Local teen returns from Jordan amid growing war

Aleyna Mooney's study abroad program in Jordan was cut short due to escalating conflict in the region.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Aleyna Mooney, a local high school student, has returned to Rochester, New York after her study abroad program in Jordan was cut short due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Mooney was participating in the state-funded YES Abroad program, which prepares students for potential conflict situations, but the program ended as a precaution and she was evacuated unexpectedly.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted air travel and forced the evacuation of some students studying abroad in the region. This story highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by students and families when geopolitical tensions flare up in areas where exchange programs are operating.

The details

Mooney woke up on February 28th to news that the conflict had escalated, and was told to stay in her home, especially when sirens were heard. Despite being prepared for emergencies, the evacuation was unexpected. Mooney felt safe during her stay, even witnessing a missile overhead, but the program ended as a precaution and she was rushed to say goodbye to her new friends and local spots before returning to Rochester.

  • Mooney's flight landed around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • Mooney was told to stay in her home on the morning of February 28th as the conflict escalated.

The players

Aleyna Mooney

A local high school student who was participating in a study abroad program in Jordan through the state-funded YES Abroad program.

Ted and Samra Mooney

Aleyna Mooney's parents, who expressed relief at having their daughter back safely.

YES Abroad program

A state-funded program that prepares students for potential conflict situations when studying abroad.

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What they’re saying

“They tell us you are going somewhere that's seen conflict before – you might hear sirens.”

— Aleyna Mooney (whec.com)

“I never imagined us being evacuated. I was not prepared to evacuate.”

— Aleyna Mooney (whec.com)

“I'm really glad that we got those three days to say goodbye. We went to our school and last time we went to, all the like all of our coffee shops, all of our local abrasives, we got to say bye to them and yeah, it was, it was, it was a little bit rushed, but I'm glad that we had that through this.”

— Aleyna Mooney (whec.com)

What’s next

Mooney is returning to Hilton High School on Monday to meet with her counselor and plan the remainder of her junior year.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by students and families when geopolitical tensions flare up in areas where exchange programs are operating. Despite being prepared for emergencies, the unexpected evacuation was disruptive for Mooney, who was able to safely return home but had to cut her study abroad experience short.