Florida legislators in the state government declared Thursday to be Israel Day at the Capitol. Speakers for the event included State Senators Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-FL) and Jason Pizzo (D-FL), State Representative Randy Fine (R-FL), and survivors of the Oct. 7 attack, Millet Ben Haim and Rom El Hai.
The Israel Day at the Capitol seeks to “highlight an array of Florida-Israel ties, [and bring] together the vibrant Jewish community and friends of the State of Israel.”
State Senator Rodriguez mentioned on Wednesday that she is “proud to stand with Israel.”
“I am proud to stand with Israel, alongside my colleagues, tomorrow as we highlight the strong bond between Florida and Israel. We are honored to have Israeli Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky here in Tallahassee for Israel Day at the Capitol,” said Senator Rodriguez.
Senator Pizzo said that standing firm with Israel is important “now more than ever.”
“I am proud to welcome my dear friend Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky to Tallahassee for the inaugural Israel Day at the Capitol,” said Sen. Pizzo. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we are steadfast in our commitment to standing with Israel and eliminating the threat of anti-Semitism in the State of Florida.”
Furthermore, State Rep. Fine said that we have “an obligation” to ensure the survival of the Jewish people.
“In the shadow of October 7th, it is more important than ever to make clear Florida’s unique and special relationship with Israel,” said Rep. Fine. “With one of the largest Jewish populations in the diaspora, we have an obligation to ensure that the promise G-d made to his chosen people remains, no matter the opposition from terrorists both over there – and here. I am honored to have helped organize this special bipartisan day and to fight every day for the safety of Jews in Florida – and Israel.”
Finally, Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky stated that Florida is a “beacon of support” for Israel.
“Florida and Israel share common values of democracy, liberty and prosperity. Naturally, the Sunshine state is a beacon of support to the Jewish state, and Israel Day at the Capitol, is one more way our ties highlight all that we can continue to accomplish in pursuit of high ideals, safety and wellbeing for the US, Israel and the world,” said Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky.
According to a press release from the Consulate General of Israel in Miami, the Capitol celebration included presentations on Israel innovation, food tastings, and meetings with elected officials, community leaders, and youth.
