By Sharon Aron Baron
This week, a successful rescue mission was carried out, with nearly 300 Americans evacuated from Israel, facilitated by a collaboration between the State of Florida and Project Dynamo.
Following recent commercial flight cancellations, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the successful return of the evacuees, with over 270 landing in Tampa and seven in Orlando.
Upon landing, evacuees received access to resources offered by various state agencies.
This initiative isn’t one-sided. Florida also sends essential supplies to Israel, including medical supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and children’s toys, to aid Israelis during this challenging time.
Governor DeSantis stated that this effort was launched in response to an executive order he signed just days prior, enabling Florida to carry out such operations.
“I am proud of how quickly we have been able to activate resources and do what the federal government could not — get Floridians and other Americans back home, reunited with their families, free of charge,” he said.
The backdrop to this urgent evacuation operation was the recent “unprovoked and heinous attacks by Hamas,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. She further commented on the dedication of the Florida administration to continue supporting Americans and Israelis alike during these testing times.
Echoing this sentiment, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel to Florida, acknowledged the invaluable support from Florida’s administration amidst the attacks that saw over 1,400 Israelis killed and another 150 held hostage.
Project Dynamo, represented by its CEO and Founder Bryan Stern, has expressed deep gratitude towards Governor DeSantis for his partnership in this mission. Stern emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of Americans in crisis situations globally.
Regarding legal grounding, the recent Executive Order 23-208, signed on October 12, 2023, empowers the Florida Division of Emergency Management to execute logistical, rescue, and evacuation operations, ensuring the safety of Florida residents.
This order will also facilitate rescue missions and the transportation of essential supplies to Israel.
To strengthen community security at home, Governor DeSantis has boosted law enforcement resources to guard against potential violence during protests, specifically targeting Jewish schools and synagogues.
He emphasizes that Florida stands firm against hate or violence towards the Jewish community.
Those in Israel needing assistance or information about evacuation can find resources and a contact form at FloridaDisaster.Org/Israel.
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