After announcing that the State of Florida rescued nearly 300 Americans from war-torn Israel, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has shared that two cargo planes with 85 pallets of donated supplies will reach Israel today.
These ultimate care packages contain medical supplies, clothing items, hygiene products, and children’s toys, according to Gov. DeSantis’ press release.
The cargo planes were deployed via the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), also known simply as “the Division.”
“With the lack of leadership in Washington, we are stepping up to help our allies in Israel who are in need of supplies and our support,” said Gov. DeSantis. “As we continue to bring back Americans who were stranded in Israel when the war began, we will also keep sending the necessary health care supplies for Israel to care for those who have been injured.”
Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie provided his thoughts concerning the effort, mentioning efficient communication between the Division and the Israelis allowed for a successful mission.
“Thanks to the decisive action of Governor DeSantis, the Division was able to quickly coordinate with our Israeli partners and compile needed supplies,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “After working with the Israeli Consulate, medical partners and hospitals in Israel, the Division identified what items were most in need to reduce inundation and increase efficiency.”
Included in the pallets of supplies were necessary items such as 735 bandages, approximately 5,000 hospital gowns, 84 IV kits, 30,000+ needles and syringes, 57 ventilators, and more than 10,000 boxes of surgical gloves.
In addition, more than 1,000 children’s toys and hygiene products were provided, as well as 300 sleeping bags and 2,000 articles of clothing.
On Oct. 15, the State of Florida announced that they partnered with Project Dynamo as the rescue mission of nearly 300 Americans returned U.S. citizens to Tampa and Orlando.
Naturally, during the unpredictable moments of war, 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 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.”
The Consul General of Israel to Florida offered his appreciation for the Sunshine State’s efforts throughout this horrible situation.
“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 a developing story.
