Nov 15, 2023
Miami Flies Supplies to Israel
Answering the call from several South Florida grassroots Israeli organizations, Federation funded a cargo plane carrying 110 tons of much-needed goods to Israelis struggling as a result of the ongoing war. The effort, spearheaded by Yedidim USA and South Florida Zionists via a special charter flight financed by Federation, brought humanitarian aid to thousands of displaced families who awaited the urgent necessities in the Gaza Envelope.
Prior to the flight of the 747-800 cargo plane, volunteers packed pallets for the sendoff. They gathered at a warehouse in Hollywood, where speakers — including Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami; Jeff Levin, Federation Chief Development Officer; Avraham Luck, Holocaust Survivor and volunteer; and Tila Falic-Levy, community leader — shared remarks.
Tracey Spiegelman, Federation’s Israel and Overseas Committee Chair, said, “As Jews, the desire to repair the world and do mitzvot is part of us. Since Hamas' brutal attack, we have struggled with what we can do. In addition to standing up and speaking out, the Federation system immediately began raising money through our Israel Emergency Fund to support our remarkable partners on the ground in Israel. When presented with the opportunity to send a huge amount of humanitarian aid requested by the Ministry of Health and Israel's Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation was pleased to help facilitate the transport of 220,000 pounds of much-needed supplies.”
“All of us are incredibly inspired by the degree to which our community has come together in support of Israel since October 7th,” said Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon.“The brutality of Hamas shocked us all, and it was also a wake-up call that we must unite — both Jews and non-Jews, alike — to help Israel with this existential fight against extremism and terror. Federation was honored to play a part in this particular shipment and we will continue to support our brothers and sisters in Israel for as long as necessary.”
