40 Florida Rabbis Endorse Byron Donalds for Governor

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Forty Florida rabbis from 17 cities and seven counties have endorsed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds for governor in an open letter released on Friday. The rabbis, representing Jewish communities across South Florida to Tampa, Tallahassee, and Northeast Florida, praised Donalds for his commitment to confronting antisemitism, supporting school choice, and standing with Israel. The letter, dated October 13, emphasized the importance of maintaining Florida as a safe and welcoming home for Jewish families.

Endorsement Highlights Donalds’ Commitment to Jewish Communities

The rabbis, who signed the letter in their individual capacities, highlighted Donalds’ record of addressing antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities. They noted his public declaration that the safety and security of Floridians is “non-negotiable.” The endorsement also pointed to a recent town hall in Delray Beach, where Jewish students from Florida Atlantic University asked how Donalds would ensure their safety on college campuses.

“Direct question, direct answer: Antisemitism will never be tolerated on college campuses,” Donalds responded, according to the letter. Education was another central factor in the endorsement, with the rabbis citing Donalds’ work in the Florida Legislature to expand scholarship programs and give parents greater freedom to choose how their children are educated. They also praised Donalds and his wife Erika for championing school choice, which they said has helped Jewish families gain greater access to faith-based education.

Strong Support for Israel and Condemnation of Antisemitism

The rabbis emphasized Donalds’ consistent support for Israel, citing his defense of the Jewish state during Hamas rocket attacks in 2021 and his condemnation of antisemitic attacks against American Jews. They also highlighted his public statements reaffirming support for Israel, including his message on the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.

“Florida will ALWAYS stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” Donalds declared in his October 7 anniversary message. Looking ahead, the rabbis stressed the importance of preserving Florida as a state where Jewish families can live safely, practice their faith, and educate their children according to their values. They wrote, “We believe Florida must remain a state where Jewish life flourishes, antisemitism is confronted, our communities are protected, and parents have meaningful choices in educating their children.”

Donalds Faces Democratic Challenger in November Election

Donalds, who won the Republican gubernatorial primary in August and has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, faces Democratic nominee and former Republican congressman David Jolly in the November 3 general election. Lisa Spies, the Donalds campaign’s director of Jewish outreach, welcomed the endorsement, describing the signatories as prominent religious leaders who share the congressman’s priorities.

“These are some of the most respected rabbinic leaders in Florida, and they came together because they know what’s at stake,” Spies said. Bryan E. Leib, a surrogate for the Donalds campaign, underscored the significance of the endorsement with a quip about the difficulty of getting rabbis to agree. “It’s hard to get two rabbis to agree on anything, and 40 of them just agreed on Byron Donalds,” Leib said.

Signatories Represent Major Jewish Communities in Florida

The letter’s signatories include rabbis from Jewish communities spanning South Florida to Tampa, Tallahassee, and Northeast Florida. They represent 17 cities across seven counties, with 36 based in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The rabbis emphasized that Florida has become a place where Jewish families can build their lives, practice their faith, educate their children, and raise the next generation with confidence and without living in constant fear.

“This is nothing we can take for granted,” the rabbis wrote. The endorsement underscores the growing political influence of Florida’s Jewish community, which has long been a key demographic in the state’s elections. The rabbis’ support for Donalds highlights the intersection of religious and political values in shaping public policy, particularly in areas such as education and national security.

Donalds’ Record on Antisemitism and School Choice

The endorsement also highlighted Donalds’ record on antisemitism, which the rabbis say has been a defining issue for Jewish communities in Florida. They noted his public condemnation of antisemitic attacks and his advocacy for policies that protect Jewish communities from discrimination and hate. The rabbis pointed to his actions during the 2021 Hamas rocket attacks, when he defended Israel and stood against antisemitism.

Additionally, the rabbis praised Donalds for his support of school choice, which they say has empowered Jewish families to access faith-based education. They highlighted his legislative efforts to expand scholarship programs and give parents more control over their children’s education. The endorsement reflects the growing alignment between religious communities and political leaders who share their values on education and national security.

Political Implications of the Endorsement

The endorsement of 40 Florida rabbis is a significant political endorsement, particularly in a state where Jewish communities are influential in shaping electoral outcomes. The rabbis’ support for Donalds underscores the importance of addressing antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities in public policy. It also highlights the role of religious leaders in influencing political discourse and shaping the priorities of candidates running for office.

As the November election approaches, the endorsement is likely to bolster Donalds’ campaign, especially among Jewish voters who have been a key demographic in Florida’s political landscape. The rabbis’ support reflects a broader trend of religious communities aligning with political candidates who share their values on key issues such as education, national security, and civil rights.

Source: Breitbart

Written by

Connor Davis