Angolan pilgrims who were stranded in Tel Aviv due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran returned to Luanda today, sharing their harrowing experiences during their ordeal. The group, comprising at least 44 pilgrims who were on a religious procession, arrived in Luanda on Wednesday afternoon after a lengthy 12-hour overland journey from Cairo, Egypt.
Upon arrival at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, the pilgrims were welcomed by government officials. Maria Lima, one of the pilgrims affiliated with the Pentecostal Ministry of Faith and Liberation Church, described the situation as “horrible,” as they faced the horrors of missile attacks, drones, and bombings. “It was a devastating experience,” she stated in an interview with Angola’s National Radio.
Pastor Ernestina Matias, leader of the church that organized the pilgrimage to Israel, recounted how the conflict escalated suddenly on Friday morning, forcing them to seek shelter in a bunker during the bombardments. “We adhered to safety protocols and had to go to the bunker whenever we heard the missiles; we spent a lot of time praying for divine protection and hoping for the airspace to reopen,” she shared with Public Television of Angola.
Thanks to diplomatic efforts between Angolan and Israeli authorities, the pilgrims were able to leave Tel Aviv on Monday. Their exhausting journey to Cairo was met with fatigue, yet Matias encouraged the group to continue their prayers.
Domingos Vieira Lopes, Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Communities, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Angolans involved in the ecclesiastical delegation, acknowledging that they took an unplanned route by road. He also praised the work of Angolan embassies in Israel, Egypt, and Ethiopia, underscoring the relief upon their successful return. “Today we are all pleased because everything ended well,” he concluded.
Currently, there are 46 Angolan citizens residing in Israel, including 16 members of the diplomatic community and their families, as well as 30 residents, consisting of 20 adults and 10 children.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability faced by individuals during geopolitical conflicts, but also highlights the resilience of faith and community in the face of adversity. The successful return of these pilgrims not only brings relief to their families but also reinforces the importance of diplomatic efforts in ensuring the safety of citizens abroad.