U.S. fire chiefs to Israel

Fourteen American fire chiefs went to Israel to learn about responding to terrorist attacks. AIPAC’s American Israel Education Foundation partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the trip. Israeli representatives from the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Fire Brigades, Israel Police, Magen David Adom and other organizations provided demonstrations. “Israel has been preparing for and responding to terror attacks for 50 years,” AIPAC board member Harriet Zimmerman said. “Our goal is to ensure that U.S. first responders have the opportunity to learn from Israel’s vast experience and bring home those important lessons to help save American lives.” Other highlights included tours of Hadassah Hospital’s trauma unit, the Haifa Fire Department and northern areas that were most devastated by last summer’s war with Hezbollah. The firefighters came from major U.S. cities including New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami and Las Vegas.