Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Avery Niles spoke to the Afternoon News Wrap about a two week trip to Israel where he learned about the country's response to threats of terror.
Niles, a Clermont resident, was one of 15 Georgia delegates who participated in the 24th annual peer-to-peer public safety training program organized by the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange.
Niles said a visit to the city of Haifa made an impact on him. "Whenever there is a rocket propelled in that particular city, they immediately start the rebuilding," said Niles in an interview for the Monday edition of the Afternoon News Wrap with Russell Brown. "The philosophy behind that is don't let it linger. Deal with it, let's rebuild and let's get on with life."
Niles said the experience made him thankful to be an American. "It opens your eyes to a world that you're so fortunate to live in these United States."
From a personal standpoint, Niles said the trip made what he reads in the Bible come alive. He was able to see Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and other Biblical locales
"Knowing that you once grew up in a government housing project here in Gainesville, and fast-forward 50 years and you're visiting the holy land, it's an honor to be in position to be able to have that availability to do that," Niles said.
