DeSantis welcomes 300 Floridians back from Israel.
In the final hours of Oct. 15, the first plane rescuing Floridians from an embattled Israel touched down in the Sunshine State.
Gov. Ron DeSantis was waiting on the tarmac at Tampa International Airport to greet the more than 300 residents—270 of whom were from the Tampa Bay area, and another seven from Orlando. More than 90 of them were children.
In response to the attacks on Israel by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, Mr. DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-208 on Oct. 12 to allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to bring Floridians home and deliver necessary supplies to Israel.
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“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,” he said in a press release.
The Florida government partnered with Project Dynamo, which is a veteran-led and donor-fed international rescue non-profit organization.
“It’s truly heart-wrenching to watch the destruction unfolding in Israel,” said Project Dynamo’s CEO and founder Bryan Stern.
“We’re so grateful to Gov. DeSantis for partnering with us on this mission to save every American in need.”
Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced plans to move Americans out of Israel on Oct. 13, with flights reportedly only getting as far as Athens, Greece.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management expanded its efforts to offer safe transportation back to the United States for those who may have been left “stranded” in the Greek capital city.
“What you saw in Florida tonight, with nearly 300 Americans brought back from Israel, is only the beginning.”
“Following last week’s unprovoked and heinous attacks by Hamas, Gov. Ron DeSantis took immediate action to help Floridians in Israel,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez in a press release.
“Our administration will continue to work to safely bring Floridians home and support the people of Israel as they fight back to defend themselves.”
An estimated 20,000 Americans were reported to be in Israel at the time of the Hamas attacks, according to the governor’s executive order.
They were unable to return home as scores of commercial flights, including those operated by American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, and British Airways, were suspended.
How did the partnership between the Florida government and Project Dynamo contribute to the successful rescue operation?
Onslaught of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire. (Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Since the outbreak of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in May, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, and many have lost their lives. The situation in Israel has deteriorated rapidly, with ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas and Israeli airstrikes in response.
The decision to rescue Floridians in Israel was made in response to the escalating violence and the threat to the safety and well-being of American citizens. Gov. DeSantis recognized the urgency of the situation and took swift action to ensure the return of Floridians to their homes and families.
Executive Order 23-208 allowed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the operation and provide the necessary resources and support. This included arranging for flights to transport the residents back to Florida, as well as delivering essential supplies to Israel.
Project Dynamo played a crucial role in the rescue mission. As a veteran-led and donor-fed international rescue non-profit organization, Project Dynamo specializes in operations where the U.S. government may lack access or presence. Their expertise in conducting global and domestic operations in challenging situations made them the perfect partner for this mission.
The successful rescue operation resulted in the safe return of more than 300 Floridians, including over 90 children, to the Sunshine State. Gov. DeSantis expressed his pride in the quick activation of resources and the ability to bring Floridians and other Americans back home and reunite them with their families.
The partnership between the Florida government and Project Dynamo exemplifies the power of collaboration and the impact that can be made when different entities come together for a common cause. Bryan Stern, CEO and founder of Project Dynamo, expressed his gratitude to Gov. DeSantis for partnering with them on this mission to save every American in need.
The situation in Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need for swift action in times of crisis. The rescue of Floridians from the embattled region is a testament to the commitment of the Florida government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, both at home and abroad.
As the conflict in Israel continues to unfold, it is crucial for governments and organizations to work together to provide assistance and support to those in need. The successful rescue operation of Floridians from Israel sets an example for other states and nations to follow.
In times of crisis, it is the responsibility of leaders to prioritize the safety and welfare of their citizens. Gov. DeSantis and the Florida government have demonstrated their commitment to this responsibility through their swift action and collaboration with Project Dynamo.
As the first plane touched down in Florida, carrying Floridians rescued from Israel, it brought a sense of relief and hope. It serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of communities, and the power of unity in times of adversity.
The safe return of these individuals to their homes and families is a cause for celebration. It is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the people of Florida and their determination to overcome challenges together.
While the road to recovery may be long and difficult, the successful rescue operation is a step in the right direction. It is a demonstration of the values and principles that guide us as a society—the commitment to protect and care for one another, even in the face of adversity.
As Floridians embrace their loved ones and rebuild their lives, they serve as a source of inspiration to us all. Their resilience reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassion.
In the face of tragedy and uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to stand together, support one another, and work towards a better future. The rescue of Floridians from Israel is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and unwavering determination.
As we reflect on this momentous rescue operation, let us remember the importance of unity, compassion, and the value of every human life. Let it serve as a reminder that together, we can overcome even the greatest challenges and build a brighter tomorrow.
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