On Tuesday, May 10th, 2005, Israel Fire and Rescue Commissioner Shimon Romach, together with Mr. Jeff Finkelstein, CEO of UJF Pittsburgh, a large delegation of Pittsburgh Jewish Community members, Mr. Erez Kriezler, Mayor of the Misgav Regional Council, representatives of the Western Galilee Firefighters Association and friends and visitors attended a ceremony to dedicate the Misgav Fire Station and Fire Engine, held in Teradion.

The Misgav Regional Council and the Ministry of the Interior funded the building of the fire station, which began operations a few months ago. The fire station was set up to provide immediate initial response to fires in Misgav and its neighboring areas. The new fire truck, donated by the Pittsburgh community and shipped from the United States, was recently installed in the new fire station.

Opening the ceremony, Mr Kriezler extended warm words of thanks to representatives of the Pittsburgh community for their generous assistance with the fire station, and continued, "We greatly appreciate the supportive response of the Pittsburgh Community. Your efforts on our behalf will enable us to equip and operate the fire station in Misgav. This fire station will benefit the entire region, as it will significantly decrease response time to fires in Misgav community villages, or in the neighboring areas. In fact, this fire station can provide an immediate initial response to a fire in the area thereby attending the fire while the Karmiel Fire Service is making its way to the scene." The Mayor thanked Mr. Zadok Yiftach, the Misgav Regional Council's Security Officer, for initiating and promoting this important project.

Addressing the guests, Fire Commissioner Shimon Romach, noted that every year a large number of fires occur in open areas in Israel, and went on to emphasize the importance of such a fire station. He explained that this strategically located "advance" fire station can help prevent the spread of fire in the natural forested and open areas in Misgav and its environs. Commissioner Romach explained that although the fire station currently operates until 4 p.m. only, he is making every effort for it to be operative around the clock.

Mr. Jeff Finkelstein, CEO of UJF Pittsburgh, noted that the Misgav and Pittsburgh communities have developed a very special relationship and are, in fact, like one big family. It has given him great pleasure to see how the members of the Pittsburgh community can provide assistance in a matter so central to the lives of people living in Misgav and the surrounding areas. Mr. Finkelstein also said he was hopeful that the Misgav firefighters would not have too much hands-on work.

The Rotem fire truck was on display for the visitors at the entrance to the fire station.