Israeli family stuck in Louisville hopes to return to Israel despite ongoing war

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- An Israeli family staying with family in Louisville is trying to get back home, despite the ongoing war with Hamas.

The Oron family gathered with hundreds at the Trager Family Jewish Community Center Tuesday evening to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel.

Wednesday, the Orons spoke with WDRB about their reason behind wanting to go back to Israel.

"We really, really want to go home because it's like, it's like our happy place," Ethan Oron said.

"Like I said before, Israel is our home," Daniel Oron said.

"We want to help protect our home, no matter how," Johnny Oron said.

The three brothers, ranging from ages 11 to 18, either personally know or directly know people that have been killed or kidnapped by Hamas in the first five days of war.

The family traveled to Canada for a three-week family vacation. On Saturday, as the family prepared for their last night of vacation, they got word of missiles launching.

While it was not unusual news, the fighting escalated, and by early Sunday morning, the family learned their country was at war.

They came to Louisville to stay with family while waiting to go back home. Despite the war, they have made arrangements to travel back to Tel Aviv.

"At the end of the day when you have something like a home, you won't give it up for any reason," Johnny Oron said.

On Thursday, the family will attempt to travel from Louisville back home. A difficult undertaking as airlines have either halted or had to re-route flights. Israel's El Al airline has continued to fly.

"It's the only place where my heart beats in the right rhythm," Danit Oron, the three boys' mother said.

The Orons' father returned to Israel on Monday. He is an orthopedic surgeon.

"He's vital for the country," Johnny Oron said.

The main reason the family wishes to return, is to help.

Johnny Oron plans to enlist soon.

"I am more than happy to do so, I am extremely excited to be part of the Army," he said.

The rest of the family, plans to help anyway possible.

"We want to open our home to people that are on the border and stuck, donate food, clothes, whatever we can," Daniel Oron said.

While Israel is a fifth of the size of Kentucky, Daniel Oron said that the impact of the war, no matter where, is felt by everyone.

The family hope to return to protect friends and family still alive.

"When 1,000 people die in Israel, everyone knows someone," Daniel Oron said.

"Small group of people who just want to live," Ethan Oron said.