As the Israeli-Hamas conflict enters its second week with thousands of lives being taken on both sides, Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced that the State of Florida has rescued nearly 300 Americans from Israel.
Partnering with Project Dynamo, the rescue mission returned U.S. citizens to Tampa and Orlando after commercial flights were canceled out of Israel.
“Just a few days ago, I signed an Executive Order to allow Florida to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations to bring Floridians back home and provide important supplies to our valued ally, Israel,” said Gov. DeSantis. “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.”
Gov. DeSantis was able to accomplish this feat through the issuing of Executive Order 23-208. This allows the State of Florida and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to “bring Floridians home and transport necessary supplies to Israel.”
“Israel mourns its more than 1400 murdered and 150 hostages in the devastating unprovoked terror attack perpetrated by Hamas,” said Consul General of Israel to Florida, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky. “We have gone to war to eradicate Hamas and its allies and to uphold our values of freedom, humanity and the sanctity of life. The support we are receiving from Governor DeSantis, the First Lady, FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and his entire administration and the state is overwhelming. We are very grateful for the special flights and supplies.”
This is not the end of the FDEM’s efforts, however. According to the Governor’s press release, additional flights will transport more supplies to Israel as well as “continue to bring Floridians back home.”
“We have a dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of Americans caught in crisis situations all over the world,” said Bryan Stern, Project Dynamo CEO and Founder. “It’s truly heart-wrenching to watch the destruction unfolding in Israel. We’re so grateful to Governor DeSantis for partnering with us on this mission, to save every American in need.”
This is a developing story.
