DeSantis orders flags to fly at half-staff as 'mark of respect' for Israel
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As the war in Israel intensifies, reactions in Florida continue.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset Friday "as a mark of respect for the victims" in Israel.
There also have been rallies and vigils across the state, with most in support of Israel but some supporting Palestinians.
Israel updates: Israeli retaliation to be felt 'for generations'; FBI searching for Americans impacted by attack
Gov. DeSantis orders flags to fly at half-staff across Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags across Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state of Florida from sunrise Tuesday until sunset on Friday, Oct. 13.
The directive came "as a mark of respect for the victims and in solidarity with the State of Israel," the governor said in a tweet.
Florida Capitol to be lit in blue and white
As a mark of respect for the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, I have directed the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, October 13th.
I have also directed the Florida Capitol to be lit in blue and… pic.twitter.com/rkbKDttZsg— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 10, 2023
The governor also directed the Florida Capitol "to be lit in blue and white in solidarity with our ally Israel."
The Israeli flag is white and blue.
Why did DeSantis order the flags to be flown at half-staff?
In his tweet, DeSantis said:
"On October 7, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists launched a violent attack on the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
"As of today, there have been at least 900 deaths, including many civilian women and children, and over 100 have been taken hostage. This is a direct assault on the people of Israel and the Jewish community.
"We reinforce our commitment to Israel and our fight against anti-Israel sentiments. Florida stands with the State of Israel and Israeli citizens."
Response across Florida: Vigils, rallies mark Florida response to attacks in Israel. What we know
Students injured after chaos erupted at UF campus
There have been several rallies and vigils across Florida since Saturday's attacks.
A vigil held Monday night at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville for victims in Israel erupted in chaos, sending more than 30 students to the hospital.
Officials say the panic ensued after a misunderstanding. The crowd, already on edge, begin screaming and running for safety.
"It was a real stampede," said Chanie Goldman, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, who spent the evening with students at the hospital.
"Kids are very shaken up ... People came to the event on edge to begin with because there is a fear for going to any Jewish event that something could happen."
Injuries ranged from concussions to a broken leg.
Chaos at UF campus: UF vigil for Israel victims sent into chaos after scare, roughly 30 sent to hospital
More Florida response to the war in Israel
In Ormond Beach: People packed Temple Beth El Monday for a vigil and memorial as Jewish leaders spoke of resiliency and a $100,000 matching pledge for Israel following the devastating attack by Hamas which killed hundreds of Israelis.
There was a heavy law enforcement presence as well with police using a metal-detecting wand to check people attending the event.
In Tallahassee: Temple Israel welcomed Tallahassee community members to show solidarity for the people of Israel on Monday night.
"We are outraged by the inhumane loss of life of innocent people," said Rabbi Sidlofsky. "We pray for the healing of those injured physically and emotionally."
In Sarasota: Stories, calls for justice, and messages of unity rang out at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Standing with Israel Solidarity Rally on Monday. The event drew around 500 people to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, where local religious and political leaders expressed support for Israel amid the growing conflict.
In Brevard County: Interfaith leaders and others from across Brevard will gather Tuesday night in a public show of unity and with prayers for peace.
Dozens are expected to come together at 7 p.m. to pray at Temple Beth Sholom in Melbourne and hold an outdoor candlelight memorial for those killed.
In Palm Beach County: In the wake of the unexpected attack on Israel by Hamas militants in Gaza on Saturday, Oct. 7, communities in Palm Beach County have rallied to show their support and solidarity.
As the conflict unfolds thousands of miles away, local residents have come together to organize a list of charitable donations and prayer sessions aimed at offering assistance to those affected by the crisis.
In Lake County: "Our brothers and sisters are under attack," writes Chabad of South Lake County on Facebook. "We do not have to feel helpless, there is something we can do."
The Lake County-based Jewish nonprofit organization is gathering on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of Tefillah (prayer), Tehilim (Psalms) and Tzedaka (charity) for peace in Israel.
In Volusia and Flagler counties: The Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties panned to host a vigil and memorial for Israel Monday at Temple Beth El in Ormond Beach.
The event will include "prayers for the State of Israel, and for those murdered, injured and held hostage by Hamas terrorists," the release stated.
What's happening in Israel?
The Israeli military's effort to hunt down militants intensified Monday, and Israel's prime minister promised to "defeat them forcefully" as the death toll on both sides from the three-day war rose to about 1,600, including at least 11 Americans.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, pledging to cut electricity and cut off food and fuel into the impoverished home to more than 2 million Palestinians.
Search for Americans continues: Israeli retaliation to be felt 'for generations'; FBI searching for Americans impacted by attack
Information for Florida residents in Israel
The U.S. Department of State has a coordinating group communicating with U.S. citizens 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing assistance through phone calls and an online form.
U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out the form or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
For the latest updates, please monitor the messages to U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
U.S. citizens in Israel are being asked to enroll their contact information in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
For Floridians needing assistance - please visit these links to Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio web pages:
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida flags half-staff out respect Israel victims, solidarity
