Governor Ron DeSantis delivered an update on Florida’s Israel Rescue Operation on Wednesday. As of Wednesday, nearly 700 Americans have flown back to Florida from Israel on four flights. They received supportive resources available from several Florida state agencies and volunteer organizations.

DeSantis has proven over and over again that he is a can-do leader who sees a problem and gets to work. After the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, Americans became desperate to leave Israel and return home. Stranded Floridians have been helped by Florida’s Israel Rescue Operation.

A Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) was established at the Tampa International Airport to receive passengers returning to the United States from Israel, and the MARC supported all identified unmet needs and coordinated state resources and nonprofit support.

Not only have Floridians been rescued and returned home but two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies have arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The supplies were requested by hospitals and other government agencies in Israel. Florida hospitals collaborated in the effort, along with local communities, the Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and several Israeli partners.

The timeline to provide assistance to Floridians moved pretty quickly.

On October 10, 2023, Governor DeSantis announced a legislative proposal to strengthen sanctions on Iran to ensure Florida does not do business with companies aligned with Iran that could in turn fund Hamas and other terrorist groups.

On October 12, 2023, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-208 allowing the State of Florida to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations for Florida residents seeking transportation back to Florida and provide necessary law enforcement support for Jewish communities in Florida.

On October 20, 2023, Governor DeSantis worked with legislative leaders who formally called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to address the Governor’s Iran sanctions-related proposal and which will also include additional resources for Hurricane Idalia relief, lowering the costs of homeowners’ insurance, increasing access to school choice for students with unique abilities and additional protections for Florida’s Jewish communities. The Special Session will convene at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, and will extend no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 9.

Bringing together coalitions of people and organizing efforts to provide support seems to be the governor’s super power. I think his military training and his experience as a governor would serve him well as president. He is the only veteran running in 2024 and I think that experience makes a difference.

Various Florida agencies were brought together to rescue Floridians. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) worked with Project Dynamo to identify U.S. citizens in Israel who needed transportation home. It is collecting donations of supplies to send to Israel. So far it has collected 85 pallets of bandages, hospital gowns, IV kits, needles, syringes, ventilators, and comfort items for children.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provided 24-hour ground field personnel to support incoming flights. It also helps process passengers through U.S. Customs and the Department of Children and Families established an offsite Family Reunification Center.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Division of Law Enforcement (FLDE) have assisted with incoming flights.

There have been arrests made in Florida of people posing a threat. All FDLE regional offices are working with Florida’s Regional Domestic Security Task Forces to support public safety.

Casey DeSantis is working to help Floridians, too.

On October 20, First Lady Casey DeSantis held a roundtable at Mt. Sinai Medical Center to discuss ongoing efforts to support Israel and make awards through the Volunteer Florida Foundation and Hope Florida Fund to support organizations that are providing services to the Israeli and Jewish communities in the state. At the event, the First Lady highlighted health care supply donations for Israel that have been made by Florida medical providers.

DeSantis is doing what the Biden administration is not doing. Competence and strong leadership skills breed success. It’s a refreshing change of pace. It is quite a contrast from the usual news coming out of the Biden administration.

Florida's Israel Rescue Operation has completed four rescue flights bringing nearly 700 Americans home from Israel.

Two cargo planes with 85 pallets of donated supplies have also arrived in Israel.

Thanks to all who helped make this happen. pic.twitter.com/VpnIyv28Fj

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 25, 2023