At a roundtable held at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Jacksonville, Senator Rick Scott joined rabbis and community leaders to discuss strategies for combating antisemitism and improving safety at Jewish institutions. The meeting followed alarming data showing antisemitic incidents have increased nearly 900% over the past decade.
Scott toured the Torah Academy of Jacksonville before the discussion, speaking directly with students about the importance of resilience and community. During the meeting, he invoked George Washington’s 1789 letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, emphasizing America’s founding principle: “America gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
The senator stressed that Jewish congregations should not have to live under constant threat, but acknowledged the need for proactive measures. He called for local and federal coordination to strengthen security and prevent harassment.
Key Participants
- Rabbi Yaakov Fisch and Rabbi Aharon Yosef Green (Etz Chaim Synagogue)
- Rabbi Joseph Hamaoui (Torah Academy Jacksonville)
- Jennifer Plotkin (Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida)
- Adam Chaskin (Jewish Community Alliance)
- Aaron Bernstein (formerly Jewish Family Services)
- Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov and Rabbi Velvil Kahanov (Chabad Jacksonville)
Legislative Context
- The meeting follows Scott’s Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act, reintroduced to hold universities accountable for protecting Jewish students.
- Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution led by Scott and Senator Jacky Rosen recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and condemning antisemitic acts.
- Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, Scott has met with Jewish communities across Florida and traveled to Israel multiple times to show solidarity.
Context
This Jacksonville summit reflects Scott’s broader effort to position himself as a leading voice against antisemitism, combining community engagement with legislative initiatives. The senator’s message underscores both the urgency of the threat and the need for bipartisan action to safeguard Jewish life in America.
Subscribe to the JFN WhatsApp Channel
