Two Jewish candidates competing for Florida’s 25th Congressional District are making their support for Israel a central issue in the campaign, even as they disagree over the war with Iran and their respective political parties.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Republican challenger Scott Singer faced off during a candidates’ forum at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton on October 20. The discussion focused heavily on Israel, U.S. policy toward Iran and the candidates’ records on antisemitism.
Although both candidates expressed strong support for Israel, the forum highlighted differences in how they believe the United States should respond to regional security threats and how their political parties address criticism of Israel.
Candidates Agree on Israel but Disagree on Iran
Moskowitz and Singer have both opposed efforts to condition or cut off U.S. military aid to Israel. They have also rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and supported Israeli strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities in 2025.
Their main disagreement concerns the U.S. military campaign against Iran in 2026.
Moskowitz supported a March 2026 war powers resolution responding to the Trump administration’s strikes on Iran without congressional authorization. He has since called for the United States to end its involvement in the war.
Singer criticized that position, arguing that the Iranian threat must be addressed and that the United States must ensure victory.
Moskowitz argued that the candidates share many of the same positions on Israel and questioned why their differences on Iran should overshadow their broader agreement.
AIPAC Endorsement Becomes a Campaign Talking Point
Moskowitz highlighted his endorsement from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), presenting it as evidence of his record supporting Israel.
Singer, meanwhile, has received endorsements from President Donald Trump and the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC).
The candidates used these endorsements to distinguish their approaches to Israel and appeal to voters who consider the U.S.-Israel relationship a major election issue.
Moskowitz also referenced comments from Jeff Miller, a Republican Jewish Coalition board member, who expressed reluctance to oppose a Democrat he viewed as a strong supporter of Israel.
The discussion reflected divisions within both major political parties over Israel, antisemitism and the role of pro-Israel advocacy groups in American politics.
Disagreement Over Ilhan Omar and Party Politics
Singer repeatedly criticized Moskowitz for his past votes involving Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, including his 2023 vote against removing her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Singer argued that Moskowitz’s association with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing undermines his claims to be a strong advocate for Israel.
Moskowitz pushed back against attempts to reduce the debate to his relationship with Omar, suggesting that the candidates’ substantial agreement on Israel deserved greater attention.
The exchange illustrated how the candidates are using their opponents’ party affiliations to appeal to voters concerned about the future direction of U.S. policy toward Israel.
Jewish Voters in South Florida Weigh Their Options
The forum took place in a congressional district with a significant Jewish population and a politically divided electorate.
Some attendees said Singer’s Republican affiliation and positions on Iran made him the stronger candidate on Israel. Others defended Moskowitz, citing his legislative record and willingness to work across party lines.
Peter Davidson, an independent voter and member of Congregation B’nai Israel, said Moskowitz had demonstrated a strong record on Israel and was willing to cross party lines.
Other attendees expressed concern about the direction of the Democratic Party and questioned whether Moskowitz could maintain his positions on Israel while remaining part of the party.
The differing views reflected the challenges both candidates face in appealing to voters whose political loyalties and views on Israel do not always align.
Debate Over Antisemitism on the Political Right
The candidates also discussed antisemitic rhetoric and criticism of Israel among political commentators.
Moskowitz challenged Singer to condemn several conservative media figures and commentators whom he accused of promoting anti-Israel views. Singer said he condemned Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Florida political figure James Fishback, while arguing that Democrats also continue to support politicians whose positions on Israel concern Jewish voters.
The discussion expanded to include President Trump’s recent use of the term “Shylock,” a reference to the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice that is associated with antisemitic stereotypes.
Singer described the term as ill-advised but defended Trump’s broader record on Israel.
The exchange underscored the debate over how antisemitism should be addressed across the political spectrum and how candidates should respond when political allies use language associated with anti-Jewish prejudice.
Florida’s 25th District Draws National Attention
Florida’s redrawn 25th Congressional District is attracting attention as Republicans and Democrats compete for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
Moskowitz, the incumbent Democrat, is seeking another term against Singer, the former mayor of Boca Raton.
The race highlights the importance of Israel policy for some voters in South Florida, where Jewish communities have played a visible role in political debates about U.S. foreign policy, antisemitism and relations with Israel.
While both candidates emphasize their support for Israel, their disagreements over Iran, party leadership and political alliances are likely to remain central themes as Election Day approaches.
Credit: The Times of Israel
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