My Flight that Almost Wasn’t
I’m writing this on a plane to Israel, somewhere between Iceland and Ireland.
I was pretty sure I’d miss this Boston-Tel Aviv flight because my flight to Boston was delayed by an hour and a half on account of stormy weather, getting me to the opposite end of Boston’s airport shortly before my flight’s scheduled take off.
On the delayed flight to Boston, during the drink service I told the flight attendant that I had a very tight connection for my flight to Israel.
What happened next and time and time again during the rush to make this plane along with several other delayed Israelis was incredibly heartwarming, magical even.
Shortly before landing, the flight attendant announced over the loudspeaker to the approximately 200 people on board: “There is a young lady on board who has to rush to make a connecting flight. Please let her get off the plane first, as quickly as possible.”
I was stunned (first of all to be called a “young lady” for the first time this millenium) but also by his concern.
And when I headed to the exit, picking up 3 other stressed Israel-bound passengers along the way, the passengers let us go by, with scattered calls of: Good luck! Hope you make it!
This scene was repeated in the line for the shuttle bus to the international terminal. Around 50 people waiting in line allowed us Israelis to go before them so we could make our flight.
And again, on the crowded shuttle bus, the other passengers moved aside to let us get off first with more calls of: Good luck! We hope you make it!
We arrived at the gate 5 minutes after the scheduled take-off, but they still let us on. I was the very last passenger allowed on the flight.
I felt so uplifted thanks to all the people who enabled us to make our flight and even cheered us on.
I felt like everyone was saying: you are going to Israel, and Israel’s going through a tough patch right now. So many have turned their backs on you exactly when you need support the most. But please know that WE stand by Israel and that WE stand by you 💜
This is heartwarming to read.
Brought tears to my eyes- thanks for sharing.