Forty rabbis representing Jewish communities across Florida have endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, citing his positions on combating antisemitism, protecting Jewish families, expanding educational opportunities and supporting Israel.
The endorsement, announced by the Donalds campaign on October 16, brings together religious leaders from 17 cities across seven Florida counties. According to the campaign, 36 of the signatories serve communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
In their open letter, the rabbis expressed support for Donalds’ vision for Florida and emphasized the importance of maintaining an environment where Jewish families can practice their faith, educate their children and participate in community life without fear.
Rabbis Emphasize Combating Antisemitism
The signatories pointed to Donalds’ public statements opposing antisemitism, particularly his response to Jewish students from Florida Atlantic University who raised concerns about antisemitism on college campuses during a town hall in Delray Beach.
“Direct question, direct answer: Antisemitism will never be tolerated on college campuses,” Donalds said in response to the students.
The rabbis cited the statement as an example of the candidate’s commitment to addressing antisemitism and protecting Jewish students.
Their letter also stressed the importance of public safety and religious freedom, arguing that Jewish residents should be able to live openly according to their traditions without facing intimidation or discrimination.
Educational Choice Remains a Key Issue
Education was another central issue highlighted in the endorsement.
The rabbis praised Donalds’ work in the Florida Legislature to expand school-choice opportunities, including scholarship programs intended to give families greater flexibility in selecting educational options for their children.
For many Jewish families, access to Jewish schools is an important consideration when choosing where to live and how to educate the next generation. The signatories argued that policies expanding educational choice can help families find schools that align with their religious beliefs and educational priorities.
The letter also acknowledged the involvement of Donalds’ wife, Erika, in education and school-choice initiatives.
Support for Israel Strengthens the Endorsement
The rabbis also cited Donalds’ record of supporting Israel as a significant reason for their endorsement.
They referenced his public support for Israel during the 2021 Hamas rocket attacks and his statements marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.
In a message cited by the rabbis, Donalds wrote: “Florida will ALWAYS stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters.”
The signatories said his support for Israel and his opposition to antisemitism align with priorities shared by many members of Florida’s Jewish community.
Religious Leaders Represent Communities Across Florida
The endorsement includes rabbis from communities throughout the state, including Aventura, Boca Raton, Cooper City, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Golden Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Tallahassee and Tampa.
The campaign highlighted the geographic reach of the endorsement as evidence of support extending beyond a single region.
Bryan E. Leib, a campaign surrogate, said the endorsement demonstrates that Jewish religious leaders across Florida share concerns about public safety, educational choice and antisemitism.
Lisa Spies, the campaign’s director of Jewish outreach, also welcomed the support, emphasizing Donalds’ relationship with the Jewish community and his positions on Israel.
The rabbis signed the letter in their individual capacities. Their endorsement does not necessarily represent the official position of every congregation or Jewish organization with which they are affiliated.
Florida’s Gubernatorial Race Approaches Election Day
Donalds, a Republican U.S. representative, won his party’s gubernatorial primary in August and is challenging Democratic nominee David Jolly in the November 3, 2026, general election.
The endorsement comes as candidates seek support from communities across Florida and address issues including public safety, education, religious freedom and the state’s relationship with Israel.
For the rabbis who signed the letter, the election represents an opportunity to support a candidate they believe will help maintain an environment in which Jewish life can flourish.
Their message centers on a vision of Florida where Jewish families can establish their homes, educate their children, practice their faith and contribute to their communities without fear of antisemitism.
Credit: Florida Politics
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