WHO/WHAT:             Join the City of Miami Beach on Monday, Nov. 6  between 9:30-10 a.m. as eight city firefighters deploy to war-torn Israel to fill in for some of the country’s first responders who have been called into military service following the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas-led militants.

The Miami Beach firefighters, who volunteered for the two-week deployment, will receive well wishes from their fellow first responders, elected officials and residents before traveling to Tel Aviv on Monday. They may be stationed in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa as needed through the Emergency Volunteers Project, which provides assistance to the State of Israel during times of emergency. The firefighters will receive one day of training with Israel’s National Fire and Rescue Authority prior to their assignments.

Airfare and travel expenses are being paid for by Temple Beth Sholom and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Deploying first responders will sleep in the fire stations to which they are assigned.

The Miami Beach Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 18 to authorize the international travel for any firefighter wishing to volunteer, something officials have done in the past in the case of human-made and weather-related disasters. This is the first-time city firefighters will be traveling to an active war zone.

WHEN:                        Monday, Nov. 6 from 9:30-10 a.m.

WHERE:                     Outside Miami Beach Fire Headquarters at Fire Station 2
2300 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach

 

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