05/08/2018

Miami Consulate: Ariel Roman-Harris - 305.925.9413 - Media@Miami.mfa.gov.il

New York Consulate: Zack Pyzer - 617.208.9974 - Media2@NewYork.mfa.gov.il

HEART 9/11 William Keegan - billkeegan@heart911.org

Israel and 9/11 Heroes Team up to Rebuild Puerto Rico

[San Juan, PR] -- Israeli officials from New York and Miami will deliver reconstruction aid to Puerto Rico at a ceremony in San Juan next Tuesday. HEART 9/11, comprising of first responders and reconstruction experts who were at Ground Zero, will use the Israeli-bought tools to train a team of local apprentices, who will then work on much needed building repairs in the hardest hit areas of the capital.

U.S. officials from San Juan and New York will join Israeli and HEART 9/11 representatives at the press conference, along with Elizabeth Velez from the Velez Organization, which is also contributing to HEART 9/11 and has been a key partner in this endeavor.

After statements and pictures, the media will be invited to see the work already completed on homes in the immediate vicinity of the Cantera Community Center.

Israel has been at the forefront of aid efforts in Puerto Rico after Maria, as it is worldwide after disasters, providing assistance in areas such as water technology, recovery crews and psychological care. By teaming up with HEART 9/11, Israel is following the lead of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who has committed the state to aiding Puerto Rico’s recovery.

An initiative with HEART 9/11 also represents the deep bond between New Yorkers and Israelis, who have known both the tragedy of terror and the spirit of renewal. It is with these values that we come together in Puerto Rico, thousands of miles from our homes.

WHO: Israeli officials, HEART 9/11 aid organization, PR and NY officials

WHAT: Press conference, handover of reconstruction tools to local apprentices, tour of area

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 9:30 AM

WHERE: Community Center Peninsula of Cantera

                Calle contitucion final sector Bravos de Boston

                Cantera, 00915 San Juan, Puerto Rico

PHOTO OP: Officials with local reconstruction volunteers; tools handover; reconstruction work in San Juan

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The Consulate General of Israel in New York represents the State of Israel in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware. The Consulate General of Israel in Miami represents the State of Israel in the States of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Consulates General will be represented by Consul General Lior Haiat (Miami) and Deputy Consul General Amir Sagie (NY).

HEART 9/11 is an expert-led, volunteer driven, nonprofit disaster relief organization committed to a mission of rebuilding communities and rebuilding lives of individuals coping with disasters and related trauma, including returning veterans. HEART 9/11 is participating in partnership with Sagrado de Corazon Universidad and ConPRmetidos.

Velez Organization is one of the largest construction firms in New York and is recognized as one of the most successful Minority Business Enterprise firms in the state.