Op-Ed: Mario Duarte: The quiet heroics of Project DYNAMO that rescue Americans from the fires of crisis

In a world where missile explosions, political paralysis and increasingly destructive natural disasters rage across our news sources, Project DYNAMO emerges not just as a helping hand but as a lifeline. This 501(c)(3), whose name is less likely to trend on social media than the chaos it responds to, dedicates itself to the most fundamental mission: saving lives. When our government stalls, when commercial options are unavailable, and when families are left in terrifying limbo, Project DYNAMO acts with speed, with courage and with humility.

Our mission is simple yet immense: to rescue Americans in crisis, whether trapped in war zones, threatened by terror, or stranded by the forces of nature. And we do it quietly, without fanfare, without reimbursement (all support is donated from our generous supporters), and almost always without the certainty of safety. We do it because we cannot leave Americans behind. Our track record speaks louder than any press release, documentary appearance, social post, or speech from a podium. Over the past several years, DYNAMO has earned a reputation as the first in and last out, bringing home thousands of Americans from the most dangerous corners of the globe.

The most recent proof of this heroism is unfolding right now in the shadow of the deepening conflict between Israel and Iran. As conflict once again spirals in the Middle East, Israel finds itself under increasing threat from Iran, putting Americans in Israel in mortal danger. As missiles explode and air raid sirens scream across Tel Aviv and Haifa, many Americans — students, tourists, dual citizens and aid workers — have found themselves unable to leave. With canceled flights, overloaded embassies and a rapidly deteriorating security situation, the options for evacuation have dwindled. Into this void stepped Project DYNAMO.

Using private donations and the dedication of our network of veterans, intelligence officers, pilots, medics and volunteers, the organization launched a multi-pronged evacuation mission this past week, pulling American citizens out of harm’s way. What we have, what we have always had since DYNAMO began its work, is a singular focus: get our people out.

And today, we did. Again.

In the past 24 hours, DYNAMO’s first mission in Israel in June rescued over 30 veterans from HeroesToHeroes on a tour of the Holy Land.

Through chartered flights, overland convoys and strategic coordination with local partners, Americans were brought to safety. Mothers with young children, elderly couples and solo travelers were all given a path out, many of whom had been turned away by formal diplomatic channels.

Historically, these missions are logistically nightmarish. They require stealth, diplomacy, navigation of international law and the kind of real-time intelligence typically reserved for military operations. But DYNAMO honed its methods in the crucible of past crises, none more defining than its rapid response to the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, hundreds of American citizens were caught in the crossfire. The assault by Hamas was swift and brutal. It targeted civilians and children. It was indiscriminate and evil. For many Americans in Israel, particularly in southern towns and near the Gaza border, help felt an ocean away.

Commercial flights were halted. Embassies were overwhelmed. Panic set in. Yet, as fear spread, Project DYNAMO acted. Within days, and with the gracious partnership of the state of Florida, our teams were on the ground organizing emergency departures, creating safe routes to airports and helping terrified citizens navigate curfews, checkpoints and the unpredictability of war. This was not just a rescue operation but a testament to what can be achieved when bureaucracy is cast aside in favor of human decency and fearless action.

By the end of that crisis, Project DYNAMO successfully rescued more than 300 Americans, making it one of the single largest non-governmental evacuation efforts in the region. We believe these were not just lucky passengers but members of the American family that DYNAMO was able to save from danger through the help and support of other Americans.

While war may grab headlines, DYNAMO’s mission extends far beyond conflict zones. When the hurricanes destroyed parts of Florida and North Carolina in 2024, DYNAMO was among the first to arrive by truck, horse or boat. We were able to not only bring supplies and evacuation aid, but also hope. When wildfires in Maui ripped through residential areas in 2023, cutting off entire towns from escape routes, the organization flew in personnel and worked with local partners to extract vulnerable residents and deliver critical aid.

These rescues are not random. They are the product of deliberate choices — choosing risk over safety, action over hesitation and humanity over indifference.

What makes this organization especially remarkable is its independence. It does not operate under a government contract or with the assurance of federal backup. It does not have the luxury of deep coffers or international agencies to lean on. It relies instead on the donations of ordinary Americans and the dedication of extraordinary volunteers, many of whom are veterans, former intelligence officials or former first responders. They bring their skills not for profit, but for purpose.

And while the global stage grows more perilous by the day, with diplomatic ties fraying and natural disasters intensifying, the need for DYNAMO will only grow. The recent Iran-Israel conflict underscores the volatility of the world we now live in. Attempts at diplomacy and aid often do not end in peace. These crises will continue to manifest and they do not wait. Bombs do not pause. Fires do not negotiate.

That is where DYNAMO will always step in, filling the moral and logistical gap between crisis and rescue.

It would be easy to view our work through a lens of celebration alone. In truth, it also speaks to a sobering reality: in far too many moments of peril, Americans are left without a lifeline. That Project DYNAMO needs to exist at all is both a testament to the worst of our world and the best of our humanity. DYNAMO only cares about the people we rescue. We do not ask why you were there, only how and when we can get you out.

As we reflect on the uncertainty of the months and years ahead, with international tension, hurricanes predicted, terrorism and wildfires beyond historic norms, one thing remains certain. DYNAMO will be ready. Not for headlines. Not for profit. But for the people who need them when no one else is coming.

Peace may one day come. The bombs may cease. The fires may go out. Until they do, and even if they never do, Project DYNAMO will be there. Quietly, steadfastly and heroically.

In a world too often divided by inaction, fear and indifference, our message is simple, clear and unwavering: We will not leave you behind.

Mario Duarte is the President and CEO of Project DYNAMO.