USC Basketball Player Trapped in Israel Amidst War: Destiny Littleton’s Story

Former USC women’s basketball player Destiny Littleton is sheltering in place with teammates in Jerusalem as the region descends into conflict. Just weeks after posting a lighthearted Instagram photo from a McDonald’s in the city, Littleton has been documenting a dramatically altered reality – air raid sirens, the sounds of explosions, and a desperate search for safety – as Iran retaliates against Israel following a strike that killed a top Iranian general.

The situation escalated rapidly over the weekend after the U.S. And Israel carried out military strikes on Iran, resulting in Iran’s counterattacks targeting cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Littleton, who signed with Hapoel Lev Jerusalem in November, is among the many U.S. Citizens attempting to leave the Middle East, but with airspace closed, immediate departure is impossible. The U.S. State Department has advised citizens in more than a dozen countries to shelter in place until conditions allow for safe evacuation, as reported on X (formerly Twitter).

From McDonald’s to Bomb Shelters: A Rapid Shift

The contrast between Littleton’s recent social media posts is stark. Less than a month ago, she shared a seemingly ordinary moment enjoying a meal at McDonald’s, showcasing a slice of life in Jerusalem. Now, her Instagram feed offers a harrowing glimpse into the realities of living under the threat of attack. Videos show Littleton anxiously searching for a bomb shelter as sirens wail, and she’s been careful to articulate what she’s hearing, spelling out “B-O-M-B” rather than saying the word aloud. “You didn’t hear that?” she asks in one video, capturing the unsettling sounds of explosions.

Littleton’s experience mirrors that of other Americans in the region. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley shared on X that three of her former players – Littleton, Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan, and Tiffany Mitchell – are currently “in a war zone” in Israel, expressing her helplessness given the flight cancellations.

A Pro Career Interrupted

Littleton’s journey to playing professional basketball in Israel followed a decorated collegiate career. After winning a national championship at the University of South Carolina in 2022, she transferred to USC as a graduate student for the 2022-2023 season. Prior to her time at USC, Littleton was a standout player at South Carolina, and before that, she led the nation in scoring as a high school senior in San Diego, becoming the first player in state history to surpass 4,000 career points. USC’s athletic website details her impressive high school and collegiate achievements.

Her move to Hapoel Lev Jerusalem marked a significant step in her professional career, joining one of Israel’s top basketball teams. However, the recent escalation of conflict has understandably disrupted her life and raised serious concerns for her safety.

Navigating Uncertainty and Seeking Safer Ground

Littleton has been actively communicating with her followers via Instagram, providing updates on the situation and her efforts to find safety. She initially sheltered in a small bomb shelter, describing it as cramped and uncomfortable, barely able to accommodate five people. She has since relocated to a teammate’s home, which offers a more spacious and comfortable shelter. “They have a shelter there. It’s way more comfortable than that B-O-M-B shelter I was just in,” she explained in a video.

Despite the ongoing threat, Littleton remains focused on finding a way to leave Israel. “To those asking why haven’t I left, the air space is closed so nobody can go in or out,” she explained. “Until that gets lifted, I will be here and remain safe with my teammates.”

A Community’s Support

Littleton has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she’s received from friends, family, and strangers alike. In a recent Instagram post, she thanked everyone for their prayers and love, stating that their support has been instrumental in helping her cope with the challenging situation. “It is 11:47 p.m. On night three and I first just want to say thank you to all the strangers, all of my friends and my family who have sent countless prayers and love my way,” she said. “I’m so grateful, and thankful. It means the world to me and it has got me through these three days.”

She likewise acknowledged moments of respite amidst the turmoil, noting a period of relative calm on Monday. “For a moment it felt like we are not in a war. I’ve just got to thank God and offer prayers for the peace we’ve had today. My mind is at ease, just a little bit.”

Looking Ahead: Departure Contingencies

The immediate priority for Littleton and other foreign nationals in Israel is securing safe passage out of the country. The lifting of airspace restrictions is the key to enabling departures, but the timeline for that remains uncertain. Littleton and her teammates are continuing to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with authorities to explore available options. The Los Angeles Times reports that Littleton is actively attempting to leave, but is currently unable to do so.

As of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Littleton’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire. Her continued updates from Jerusalem offer a poignant and firsthand account of life under duress.