Gov. Rick Scott is raking in compliments from the Jewish community at home and abroad this week after he indirectly invested $100,000 into the creation of a Florida international economic development office in Tel Aviv.
It was made possible, he said, through this year's "Florida Families First" budget and Enterprise Florida.
In a press release issued late Thursday afternoon Scott said, Israel is a strong friend of Florida and an innovator in science, technology, engineering, and math. Thats why my Florida Families First budget invests $100,000 to enhance trade relations with Israel. With this targeted investment, well increase Floridas role as a hub for global commerce, so we can better grow jobs and opportunities for Florida families.
Since 2010, Floridas trade with Israel has totaled nearly $800 million.
Chaim Shacham, consul general of the State of Israel said, We are confident that a funded Enterprise Florida office in Israel will provide a new level of exposure to Israels economy for Florida companies, and vice versa. We look forward to working together with the new EFI office to further the mutual economic interests of both states. This is truly a win-win situation.
Jewish Federation chapters lined up to express their enthusiasm:
-- Pepi Dunay, vice president for community relations of the Jewish Federation of Broward County thanked Scott and said, "The establishment of this office will strengthen the bilateral economic relationship between Israel and the state of Florida, and bring business and jobs to Florida.
-- Likewise, Carol Brick-Turin, director of Miamis Jewish Community Relations Council said, "Having had the pleasure of joining Governor Scott at the kick-off dinner for his trade mission to Israel in December 2011, it is particularly fulfilling to see this effort coming closer to fruition.
-- Said Jonathan Gilbert, chair of the Palm Beach Jewish Community Relations Council, and Luis Fleischman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach, We thank Governor Scott (for his) consistent and solid support of the Jewish community and Israel since he took office.
-- Stuart R. Silver, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council and vice president of Community Planning of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach said, We appreciate Governor Scotts support of this initiative, and will assist his efforts ...
-- Emilie Socash, director of the Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council said, The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Tampa Jewish Federation ... are celebrating this important development in our region.
-- Ann R. Jacobson, chair of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Collier County, and David Willens, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Collier, said, The Jewish community in Naples understands the importance of the Florida-Israel relationship, and Governor Scotts timing for this effort is important both to Israel and Florida.
