The last group of Samoans in Israel were safely evacuated from Jerusalem to
Dubai on Tuesday 17 October 2023. Thirteen (13) Samoans boarded the Australian
airforce flight early this morning to Dubai where they have now joined eight other
members of their group who departed Jerusalem on an earlier Australian airforce
flight on Sunday 15 October 2023.. The group will resume their original return
itinerary via Singapore- Fiji-Samoa and will arrive on Friday 20 th October.
The group comprises a toddler, one student and the rest Christian pilgrims
who traveled to Jerusalem to attend a prayer conference, the Welcome the King of
Glory Gathering usually convened in the month of October annually..
We thank the Government of Australia for the timely response un providing
the critical opportunities for the group to exit Israel and for the effective collaboration
with teams in Apia, Canberra and Israel that facilitated the safe departures from Israel
amidst the escalating crisis resulting in flight cancellations.
We acknowledge the support of New Zealand through advice of available
flights; unfortunately, the opportunities were missed.  Likewise we proudly
acknowledge in particular the untiring efforts of Vincent Schmidt UN Security and
Personal Protection Officer in seeking out Samoans known to be in Jerusalem to be
prepared for immediate departure, His nightly live broadcasts provided reassurance to
families of the group of their safety.
Our missions in Canberra, Tokyo and particularly Brussels as well as some
members of the diaspora in Dubai created a tight network to share information,
provide encouragement to members of the group and support in processing transit
visas,
May God Bless You All!