Florida student stuck in Israel returns home: ‘Sigh of relief’

Florida student stuck in Israel returns home

It was a moment of relief for a Central Florida family as they embraced each other at Orlando International Airport on Monday. Serina Vadella was studying in Israel when the war broke out. She is now back home and was safely in her parents' arms.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Two Central Florida parents got a desperately needed sigh of relief, and a hug they’d been craving for weeks. After trying to escape the war in Israel, their daughter is finally home.

Serina Vadella was at a seminary school in Israel. She felt safe until the war started. Her parents were frantic to get her home. Serina was able to get on a flight from Tel Aviv to Ireland and then from Ireland, she flew to Charlotte, North Carolina, and from Charlotte to Orlando.

"I love you so much!" said Avery Vadella, Serina’s mother.

The Vadella’s held back tears, but not hugs, as Serina ran through baggage claim to see her dad.

"Very, very good to see you," said James Vadella, Serina’s dad.

It was dangerous traveling to the airport in Tel Aviv, but she was able to get on a flight to Ireland.

"We're like, looking out the window in the distance for, like, rockets," said Serina.

In Ireland, Serina stayed with a Jewish family who kept her safe.

"They took me in, and they gave me food and just warmth, shelter, and love," said Vadella.

After being in Ireland for a week to decompress from the war she felt healthy enough to fly home to Orlando

"It's like seeing them in the flesh, it’s good," said Serina.

"Just a huge sigh of relief," said James. "Yeah, she's finally back, we're so happy."

Mom and Dad are thrilled to finally hug their little girl but recognize not everyone gets this sweet reunion.

"Well, that really makes me cry, thinking that that could have been her," said Avery. "And for those families, I grieve for that. I feel for them. I thought we were past the Holocaust. Eighty years ago, we're having another Holocaust. It's just wrong and it's disgusting."

Serina has a long healing journey ahead. Loud noises are scary for her, and they remind her of the missiles. But she says seeing this war has made her a more peace-seeking person and hopes that peace can be achieved. For now, Mom and Dad say they’ll spoil her at home, and when Serina is ready, she wants to finish her seminary program in the States.