SURFSIDE, FLA. (WSVN) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by Israel Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, addressed the media on Tuesday during a news conference at The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside.
The conference began at 8:45 a.m. and touched upon various subjects, including the tragic events in Israel and the strong ties between Surfside and Israel. Additionally, the conference included a moment of song and prayer for the defense forces fighting in Israel.
Governor DeSantis expressed condolences for the victims of the recent violence in Israel.
“We too, pray for the family of [Israel Defense Forces] Captain Abraham Hankin in North Miami Beach, who was killed in battle against Hamas terrorists Saturday night,” said the governor.
Thirty-eight-year-old Captain Henkin had two siblings residing in South Florida.
“He lived like a hero and he died like a hero,” said Consul Elbaz-Starinsky. “Breaking it to his family, to his brother, if not the most, certainly one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my life and I will carry this forever with me.”
“We pray for the several dozen Florida residents who have since returned to Israel to fulfill their commitment to Israel’s armed forces and defense of what needs to be done,” continued Gov. DeSantis as he emphasized the duty of Israel to defend itself against aggression. “Israel has the duty to defend itself in a way that Hamas terrorist infrastructure in networks are eradicated from the Earth.”
The City of Surfside shares close ties with the country as the Israel Defense Forces helped recover 81 of the 97 victims in the search and rescue mission after the catastrophic collapse of Champlain Towers South in 2021.
“I’m angry at what happened,” expressed the governor. “I think that we need justice and I think that justice needs to be so severe that they wouldn’t think of doing this ever, ever again.”
Governor DeSantis didn’t mince words, calling out Iran for its alleged involvement in the attacks in Israel and proposing increased sanctions against the nation.
“We are going to roll out, for the next legislative session, a proposal to increase Florida sanction on Iran and to block Iranian business in our state,” he said.
In further support of Israel, Governor DeSantis directed that flags at all local and state buildings in Florida be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday in honor of the victims of the recent tragedy.
The Florida Capitol will also be lit in blue and white, symbolizing solidarity with Israel, from sunset to sunrise until the same date.
South Florida has been rallying around Israelis and the Jewish community since the deadly attacks, with many more rallies to take place.
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