License plate supports Israel

(JNS) - The public design contest for the "Florida Stands with Israel" specialty license plate, sponsored by the Israeli-American Council, has ended with the winning concept by local artist Daniel Ackerman, a graphic designer from Boca Raton, Fla.

More than 100 designs were submitted, ranging from school children's concepts in crayon to highly technical designs of professional artists. The Sunshine State is home to more than 120,000 Israeli Americans.

Ackerman explains his design: "The concept focuses on Florida's state flower, the orange blossom. The beauty of this flower, contrasted against the Star of David in the form of a tropical leaf, represents the Florida-Israel relationship and the fruit this partnership bears, ultimately benefiting both states. The symbol interacts with the two waves on top and bottom giving nod to the Israeli flag, Florida's sandy tourist destinations, and Israel's deserts in bloom."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1135 on Sept. 18, which authorized the creation of a "Florida Stands with Israel" specialty license plate, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

HB 1135 enjoyed bipartisan sponsorship and passed through both the Florida House and Senate unanimously. The "Florida Stands with Israel" auto tag included in HB 1135 was originally submitted to the House in a separate bill co-sponsored by Florida House Minority Leader Kionne L. McGhee (D-Fla.) and Representative Scott Plakon (R-Fla.).

The design of the specialty license plate was decided by a free 45-day contest open to submissions by the general public.

The contest itself was sponsored by the Israeli-American Council and coordinated by co-sponsor Artists 4 Israel. The panel of judges consisted of the lead legislative sponsors of the bill-Sen. Aaron Bean, Sen. Lauren Book, Rep. JW Grant, Rep. Kionne McGhee and Rep. Scott Plakon-joined by Bal Harbour Mayor Gabe Groisman.

The winning entry will be featured on a license plate that will go into production once 3,000 pre-sale vouchers have been sold.

A portion of the revenue generated will benefit Hatzalah of Miami-Dade, a nonprofit organization that deploys community-based, state-certified volunteer paramedics to cut response times and increase survival rates in medical emergencies.

Pre-sale vouchers are available for sale at https://www.floridastandswithisrael.com.