Testimonies from Florida Mayors' visit to Israel post October 7th
In light of the tragic events that unfolded on October 7th, when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on Israel, the Consulate General of Israel in Miami has intensified its efforts to engage with local municipalities and communities. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and awareness of the gravity of these attacks and to bolster support for Israel during this challenging time.
We have been actively collaborating with city leaders, local officials, and community organizations across Florida, Missouri, Kansas, and Puerto Rico. These efforts are aimed at creating a unified front to condemn the acts of terror and to support the security and well-being of the Israeli people. By working closely with municipalities, we are ensuring that the voices of solidarity and support for Israel are heard loud and clear.
We are fortunate to partner with organizations such as the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) to bring local mayors to Israel in the wake of the tragic events of October 7th. This initiative has provided these key municipal leaders with a firsthand view of the devastating aftermath of the attacks, allowing them to witness the destruction and hear personal stories from affected communities. This collaboration has deepened the mayors' understanding of the profound impact of these attacks, fostering a stronger, more informed support network within their municipalities.
Larisa Svechin, Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach: "Meeting with the families of the hostages and the families of the victims, who were murdered in inexplicable barbaric and animalistic ways, solidified my suspicion that mainstream media is either purposefully or willingly spreading inaccurate and outright lies to the American people. Further it is clear that they continue to amplify the voices of anti-Semitic civil society and groups".
Brent Latham, Mayor of North Bay Village: "We must share what we can about the truths of it all. And so there are some photos here. Haphazard and incomplete, they can tell only some of the story. From our eyes. They want for our words as well. We can tell, and so we can support in some minor way. A grain of sand each for the beach of righteousness. Having been there, we will support Israel, by telling what we can. This is what I saw. This is what I heard. This is what I know to be truth".
Alix Desulme, Mayor of North Miami: "This trip not only deepened my connection with the Israeli community but also reinforced my commitment to fighting antisemitism and fostering strong, collaborative relationships between North Miami and communities in Israel".
Greg Ross, Mayor of Cooper City: "Our Journey was not just a tour of physical landscapes but a deep dive into the emotional and psychological landscapes shaped by this war, leaving me with a renewed commitment to advocate for peace and understanding on the global stage".