MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - As the violence continues in Ukraine, millions have left the country. Among them, a rabbi and his family who arrived at Miami International Airport after escaping Ukraine.
Rabbi Yisroel Silberstein, his wife and their nine children arrived at the airport, Tuesday night.
They were greeted by relatives and dozens of others, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
The American family was living in Ukraine and made the week-long journey back to the U.S.
The family flew from Turkey to Miami.
“It’s relieving,” said Aliza Silberstein, who escaped Ukraine. “It’s very relieving to come back here on U.S. soil. There were bombings, you know. We had to stay in our basement because there were a lot of booms, explosions. People are scared. People are hanging out in their basements.”
“Right now, our goal is to– our first priority is helping people out, get out,” Yisroel said. “People who get out, helping them get settled in the community.”
“It’s been a long trip,” said Aliza. “We’re exhausted. We’re exhausted.”
“Heroism like this just brings hope and gladness to us,” Levine-Cava said.
While the family is relieved to be in the U.S., they can’t help but to think about what they left behind.
“We’re happy to be here, but our heart is with the people who could not make it out yet,” said Yisroel. “We’re working around the clock to help people stranded in Ukraine, in cities under siege to get out.”
“Together, with some other cities, we’re talking about really getting the message out and creating a network of homes and safe places for people,” said Levine Cava.
“I ask all of you to say a prayer that, God willing, they make it out,” Yisroel said.
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