Dear Fellow Floridian,
Throughout my time as Governor and United States Senator, I have seen Florida’s Jewish Community flourish and expand in our great state and I am proud to maintain strong ties and friendships with Jewish leaders, organizations and families across Florida. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in hate toward Jewish Americans recently, and Florida has been no exception to this. That is why we all must stand together against hate and in support of our Jewish neighbors.
Jewish Floridians have never faltered in their resiliency and commitment to living peacefully amongst their neighbors and as threats to Jewish Americans and Israel continue to rise, I am committed to calling out antisemitism at every turn. I am also working together with local, state and federal leaders to ensure the safety and security of everyone in our state. Recently, I joined my colleagues in supporting the Antisemitism Awareness Act which directs the Department of Education to use the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus.
The United States and Israel are partners in every sense of the word, and we have come together over decades to defend our common interests, protect peace and guarantee security. I am honored to have visited Israel on five occasions during my time as governor and U.S. Senator, and have championed important policies and investments to continue to support Florida’s Jewish community.
With Israel under attack, and Americans still being held hostage by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, all Floridians must stand united and stronger than ever in our support of Israel and the Jewish people. Over the past few years, I have continuously fought for the passage of my Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act. This ensures U.S. funds are not authorized for expenditure in the territory of Gaza through any United Nations entity or office that the president cannot certify is not encouraging or teaching anti-Israel and antisemitic ideas and propaganda. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have blocked the passage of this bill twice and recently prevented the Senate from even having the opportunity to vote on it.
I will never stop fighting to protect and support our great ally, Israel, and Jewish families in Florida and across the nation. To learn more about my work to support our ally Israel and combat antisemitism, visit HERE.
Over the past month, my award winning constituent services team hosted Mobile Office Hours throughout Florida focused on connecting Florida’s Jewish community with resources they may need. If you or a loved one need help contacting a federal agency, please visit HERE.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
United States Senator