Statement on the war from JFGO

We are all following the devastation of war in Israel on TV, social media, and via direct reports from friends and family who are there. We are getting reports of community members who are unable to return to Florida due to the closure of Ben Gurion Airport and the airlines canceling their flights indefinitely.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, part of the Shalom Orlando Family, is actively monitoring the situation and wants to make you aware of several resources that are being offered to help evacuate American citizens currently in Israel and help Israelis who are here in the United States return home. This is information conveyed to us, and we recommend that you or someone you know who needs help register as soon as possible as these resources are available first come, first served.

• The Consulate of Israel in Miami is assisting community members who are Florida residents and wish to evacuate Israel. The link to register is https://greybullrescue.org/middle-east-request-help/. This is meant for Florida residents only.

• The Florida State Emergency Response Team is also actively coordinating efforts to assist Americans who are Florida residents seeking evacuation. For more information, please visit FloridaDisaster.org/IsraelRescue.

• For Israelis in our region trying to get back to Israel, the Transportation Ministry advises Israelis abroad to wait for official updates about organized repatriation flights. The Hebrew language link is https://www.gov.il/he/pages/bureaus_updates. Please note that the Egyptian and Jordanian borders are closed to Israelis.

On behalf of the Shalom Orlando family, our hearts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel. We stand with Israel today and always!