Rick Scott

05/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/29/2026 09:42

Sen. Rick Scott Convenes Jewish Community Leaders in Jacksonville for Conversation on Combatting Antisemitism

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U.S. Senator Rick Scott met with Jewish community leaders yesterday at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Jacksonville, Fla. for a discussion on the rise of antisemitism across the nation, and how local and federal leaders can best support the Jewish community. Prior to the roundtable, Senator Scott toured the Torah Academy of Jacksonville and met with students.

Senator Rick Scott said, "In 1789, George Washington wrote to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island that 'America gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.' That's the America we must to return to. Over the last decade, antisemitic incidents have increased almost 900%. Congregations have to consider the unthinkable and prepare for the worst. I hate that this is how communities have to live in America, but we have to tackle it with a clear conscience. The only way out is to identify the issues and counter them."

Senator Scott was joined by:

  • Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, Etz Chaim Synagogue
  • Rabbi Aharon Yosef Green, Etz Chaim Synagogue
  • Rabbi Joseph Hamaoui, Torah Academy Jacksonville
  • Andrew Jaffa, Lay Leader
  • Jennifer Plotkin, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
  • Adam Chaskin, Jewish Community Alliance
  • Aaron Bernstein, Prior Jewish Family Services
  • Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, Chabad Jacksonville
  • Rabbi Velvil Kahanov, Chabad Jacksonville

BACKGROUND:

Senator Scott has been a steadfast supporter of Israel and the Jewish community throughout his time as Governor of Florida and in the U.S. Senate. Recent actions include:

  • Meetings with Jewish leaders, students and community organizations throughout Florida to discuss security, religious freedom and ways to combat the alarming rise in antisemitism.

Following Iran-backed Hamas' horrific attacks on Israel, Senator Scott has Traveled several times to Israel to meet with Israeli leaders, families of hostages and victims, and reaffirm America's unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself. Senator Scott has also taken the following actions and released the following statements:

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