Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today issued the following statement on the recent collapse of the condo building in Florida and the ongoing search and rescue efforts:

        “We pray that Benny and Malky Weisz of Lakewood, and Malky’s father Harry Rosenberg—and all those who remain missing—are found and rescued after the catastrophic collapse of their condo building in Florida early yesterday—nurturing the hope that the expertise, tenacity and bravery of rescue workers will result in finding them and others presumed trapped in debris.

        “This is a rescue operation not recovery.  People have survived for days under rubble.

        “I have spoken to Harry, Benny and Malky’s friend Eli Levitan who is on the scene at the condo site to convey my deep concern.  He said more needs to be done. I have reached out to Governor DeSantis’ chief of staff and Senator Marco Rubio to urge that an apparent offer by an Israeli search and rescue team be seriously considered and accepted.”

###