Reps. Dean Black (R-Jacksonville) and Debra Tendrich (D-Lake Worth) announced the launch of the Florida-Israel Policy & Exchange Initiative to strengthen and promote the relationship between Florida and Israel at the state capitol this week.
“The Florida-Israel Policy & Exchange Initiative is intentionally designed to be bipartisan and interfaith,” Rep. Tendrich said in a statement before the announcement. “By creating an inclusive and collaborative structure, we encourage participation from legislators across the political spectrum who believe in allyship, shared democratic values, and the importance of standing with Israel.”
According to a release, the initiative will give Florida lawmakers an avenue for dialogue, education, and policy innovations with partners of the Jewish State in areas of shared interest.
Reps. Black and Tendrich joined other bipartisan leaders to help implement the initiative after a trip to Israel.
"Florida and Israel share many common values and interests. The Florida - Israel Policy and Exchange Initiative will provide a mechanism for us to continually strengthen these mutual ties," Black added in the statement.
Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida has led the way on several initiatives in support of Israel, including signing a bill to fight against anti-Semitism and protect religious liberty in the state. The governor also unveiled a statue remembering the over six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust in Memorial Park last March.
“This memorial serves as a powerful symbol of our commitment to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust and to recognize the survivors who later moved to our state," DeSantis said at the time.
Israeli Americans have been under increased attack since the massacre of the Jewish State on Oct. 7th, 2023, the deadliest attack on Israel since the Holocaust.
More recently, Gov. DeSantis signed legislation expanding Florida's anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) law to include academic institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations that engage in boycotts against Israel.
Rep. Black and Tendrich's official announcement is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. at the Florida Capitol.
