College students stranded in Jerusalem amid Iran conflict return safety to Tennessee

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. (WZTV) — A group of students and faculty previously stranded in Jerusalem after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran led to airspace shutdowns are now back in East Tennessee.

Carson-Newman University students traveled to Jerusalem two weeks ago with the school’s archaeology program before the attack on Iran. The group of nine, which included five students, two faculty and two chaperones, returned to the U.S. safety as of Monday, the university posted on Facebook.

The university says a decision was made to end the trip and return home immediately once evacuation warnings were lifted.

“Despite tense circumstances and delays, the team’s faith remained strong,” the university wrote.

Before the attack, the group embarked on their dig and discovered several artifacts. They explored places such as Cairo, the Egyptian pyramids and the Red Sea.

“We are thrilled to have this incredible group back home in East Tennessee,” says Dr. Charles A. Fowler, C-N President. “These students exhibited an unbelievable level of maturity. We are grateful, as well, for the leadership that helped navigate, via bus, van and five airports, getting them home safely.”

Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee.