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Aventura issues proclamations, leaders report on Israel visits and honor police explorers
Summary
The Aventura commission issued proclamations recognizing End Jew Hatred Day and Israel Tennis and Education Centers Day, commissioners and the city manager reported on delegations to Tallahassee and Israel, and the police department presented awards to its explorer program.
The Aventura City Commission used part of its April 8 meeting for proclamations, trip reports and to honor the Aventura Police Department explorers.
Mayor Howard Weinberg read a proclamation declaring April 29, 2025, as End Jew Hatred Day in Aventura. Jennifer Ensllein, who accepted the proclamation, said the designation “is more than just a proclamation. It is a powerful statement that hatred has no place in our communities.” Ensllein addressed the commission after the proclamation and thanked city leaders for the recognition.
Commissioners and the consul general described their recent trip to Tallahassee for “Israel Days at the Capitol,” where they lobbied for synagogue and Jewish day‑school security grants and legislation related to anti‑Israel boycotts and doxxing. Commissioner Bloom said the delegation also urged support for a statewide antisemitism task force. Commissioner Cruz noted Holocaust survivor David Shacker received a ceremonial honor at the Capitol, and the group attended the new Holocaust memorial unveiling.
City Manager Brian Pegues reported on a city‑organized mission to Israel. He described visits to Jerusalem, Yafa and Kibbutz Nirim near the Gaza border where, he said, delegation members observed damage from October 7 and ongoing security operations; he described the trip as emotionally “transformative” and cited meetings with local emergency and water‑management officials.
The commission also proclaimed April 8, 2025, as Israel Tennis and Education Centers Day in Aventura for the organization’s youth and social programs; Phil Silver, a past ITEC president, and Joanie (executive vice president) described ITEC’s programs in Israel, the organization’s work with at‑risk children and recent fundraising that supported a bomb shelter in Acco.
Chief of Police Michael Bento‑Lila introduced the police explorers and described their recent competition results, including a first‑place win in the team crime‑scene processing event and multiple top finishes in obstacle and bike rodeo events. The chief thanked parents and staff leaders and invited the explorers to receive a group photo with commissioners.
The meeting included photo presentations and the ceremonial exchange of proclamations and gifts; no council votes were required for the proclamations."
