Nebraskans on pilgrimage in Israel are safe, trying to get home as war rages

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Members of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln were on pilgrimage in the Holy Land when war broke out earlier this month.

The 32 pilgrims also include members of the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Diocese of Des Moines.

They were in Nazareth as the violence erupted. The diocese said the group was about 90% done with their tour.

They felt safe enough since there were multiple cities separating them from the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Dennis Kellogg, spokesman for the Lincoln Diocese, said the group also had good guides whom they trusted.

“There was one time when they were leaving their hotel in Jerusalem when the air raid sirens did go off and they were on their way moving to a place that was more secure,” he said. Fortunately, it was a false alarm.

They’ve since traveled to Jordan and scheduled flights that should get everyone out of the area by the middle of this week.

The Rev. Sean Timmerman of Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Plattsmouth is a leader of the group.

He said they are “doing well considering the circumstances, but they are very much looking forward to getting back home.”

Kellogg said everyone who hasn’t flown out yet was advised to remain at their hotel.

Steve Glenn with Lincoln-based Executive Travel said many Americans are in Israel and some surrounding countries waiting for flights.

“All the domestic airlines in the U.S. have stopped service to Tel Aviv, which is really a big obstacle for many Americans,” he said.