Florida Lawmakers Continue to Condemn Rise in Antisemitism

Florida lawmakers continue to denounce the growing number of acts of antisemitism being committed across the state and nation.

This past weekend, the City of Weston was once again struck by acts of hate against the Jewish Community as swastikas and other racist and anti-Semitic messages were painted on signs leading into the Hunter’s Point gated community, and at a playground within the neighborhood.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), who represents Weston and the surrounding cities, expressed her concern over the recent rise in “antisemitism and racism” in a written statement.

“I am disgusted at the antisemitism and racism that continues to rear its ugly head here in my home state of Florida. The recent spike in high-profile and public antisemitism...is a deeply alarming and heartbreaking trend. This hatred must be called out forcefully...Only when we unite to vocally condemn the perpetrators of these hateful acts, can all Americans truly love, learn and worship freely and without fear,” stated Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz’s former colleague, Ted Deutch, who recently left the House of Representatives to head up the American Jewish Committee, appeared on MSNBC to discuss the “increased acts” of antisemitism across the country.

“One in four Americans Jews has faced anti-Semitism, personally,” said former Rep.  Ted Deutch.

State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D), who is also Jewish,  tweeted her condemnation of the hatred displayed in Weston.

“Antisemitism will never be tolerated and has no place in the state of Florida or the United States. Hatred against the Jewish community and disgusting displays like yesterday's are unacceptable,” stated Leader Book.

Political commentator and columnist Fred Menachem "signaled" his devotion to his faith and support for the Jewish community.

But just as Democrats have tried to blame Republicans and former President Donald Trump for the rise in racism and antisemitism, Republican lawmakers have been just as loud as their Democratic counterparts in condemning acts of hatred towards the Jewish community.

Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) also expressed his disgust with the rash of anti-Jewish incidents plaguing the state of Florida.

“I am disgusted at the antisemitism and racism that continues to rear its ugly head here in my home state of Florida. The recent spike in high-profile and public antisemitism...is a deeply alarming and heartbreaking trend,” said Sen. Scott. “This hatred must be called out forcefully...Only when we unite to vocally condemn the perpetrators of these hateful acts, can all Americans truly love, learn and worship freely and without fear.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed one of the toughest anti-Semitism bills back in 2019. The legislative measure was introduced by Jewish-American State Rep. Gary Fine (R) and supported by every single Democratic and Republican lawmaker, except for Sen. Audrey Gibson.

“I’m proud to sign this bill to make clear through a bipartisan effort that anti-Semitism has no place in our state and our educational institutions will not tolerate discrimination against the Jewish people,” said Governor DeSantis. “I was especially proud to hold a ceremonial bill signing in Jerusalem. Florida is the most Israel-friendly state in the country and as long as I’m Governor, we will continue to stand with the Jewish community.”