FLORIDA TODAY
Jan 14, 10:22 PM
By John A. Torres
(condensed version)

MELBOURNE, FL -- With national elections only a few weeks away, many Israeli dignitaries and politicians decided to stay home rather than witness Thursday's historic shuttle launch first-hand. But the Space Coast has welcomed several hundred Israeli nationals -- many of whom work for the Ministry of Science -- who are here to see Ilan Ramon become the first Israeli astronaut in space.
Israel holds elections on Jan. 28.
In order to better serve the Israeli guests, the center has started bringing in kosher lunches and dinners from Albertson's in Boca Raton -- there are no kosher restaurants in Brevard County. The Rabbi has also arranged for live countdown coverage of the launch to be broadcast in Hebrew on radio stations WMIE 91.5 FM and WFJP AM 1510. The coverage will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Others expected to attend include Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Melbourne, Rep. James T. Walsh, R-NY, and music groups Creed and The Natural.

Staff writers J.D. Gallop and John Kelly contributed to this report.