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

Sen. Rick Scott Convenes Jewish Community Leaders in Jacksonville for Conversation on Combatting Antisemitism May 29, 2026 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: Leading Senate passage of the bipartisan resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and condemning antisemitism earlier this month. Read more: Sen. Rick Scott’s Jewish American Heritage Month Unanimously Passes Senate Reintroducing the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act, legislation to hold colleges and universities accountable when they fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination. Read more: Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Antisemitism on College Campuses 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: October 7, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott: America Stands with Israel October 8, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Abraham Accords & Gulf Council Nations to Condemn Attacks, Stand Strongly with Israel October 10, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Senate Republicans Call On Biden To Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer October 10, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott to Social Media Companies: Don’t Give Terrorism a Global Platform October 10, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott & Colleagues to Biden: Following Hamas Attacks on Israel, Convene the G7 to Jointly Sanction Iran October 11, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jacky Rosen & Bipartisan Group of Senate Armed Services Committee Members In Requesting Additional Iron Dome Batteries For Israel October 12, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Lead Republican Colleagues in Demanding Answers for Violations of Iran’s Nuclear Program Following Brutal Iran-Backed Attacks on Israel October 13, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Jewish Leaders, Hosts Press Conference on Standing with Israel in Aventura October 17, 2023: PHOTO RELEASE Sen. Rick Scott Demands that Biden Permanently Rescind $6 Billion Payment to Hamas-Supporting Iranian Regime October 17, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues: Ban Oil and Natural Gas Imports From Venezuela and Iran October 17, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn and Colleagues Introduce Bill to End U.S. Aid to U.N. in Hamas-Controlled Gaza October 18, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott & Tim Scott Lead Colleagues in Bill to Freeze $6 Billion to Iran, Probe Additional Iranian Assets October 18, 2023: VIDEO RELEASE Sen. Rick Scott & Colleagues: We Stand With Israel, Demand Immediate Rescue of American Hostages October 18, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sens. Joni Ernst & Cory Booker: President Biden Must Do Everything in His Power to Rescue American Hostages October 18, 2023: Senate Democrats Protect Hamas, Block Sen. Rick Scott's Bill to Prevent U.S. Tax Dollars From Funding Iran-Backed Terrorists October 19, 2023: PHOTO RELEASE Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Jewish Leaders, Hosts Roundtable on Standing with Israel in Boca Raton October 20, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott to Biden: Bring All American Hostages Home Now October 20, 2023: Senators Rick Scott & Roger Marshall Demand Any Aid Package to Israel Not be Jammed With More Ukraine Funding October 23, 2023: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in the Sun Sentinel: On foreign policy, America was far better off with Trump October 24, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott: Senate Must Put Israel First, Ditch Biden’s Unserious Proposal October 24, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues to Demand DC Rename Plaza Following BLM Pro-Hamas Rhetoric October 25, 2023: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on Fox Business: Time to Bring Americans Home, Help Israel Destroy Iran-Backed Hamas October 26, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott: Iran’s Terror Cannot be Funded by IMF October 27, 2023: Senators Rick Scott & Tim Scott Champion Bill to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses in Wake of Skyrocketing Incidents October 31, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn & Colleagues to Sen. Schumer: Reject Biden Request for Gaza Humanitarian Aid That Hamas Will Steal November 2, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Foreign Terrorist Sympathizers from Entering or Remaining in the U.S. November 7, 2023: Senate Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott's Bill to Provide Standalone Aid to Israel November 14, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Stands in Support of Pro-Israel March November 28, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott: No Conditions on Israel Aid Until Every Hamas Terrorist is Dead December 5, 2023: Senators Rick Scott & Katie Britt Urge Biden Administration to Enforce Iran Steel Sanctions December 5, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott & Marsha Blackburn Lead Legislation To Weaken Iran-China Ties, Condition Any Nuclear Deal December 12, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Bipartisan Push Condemning United Nations’ Inaction on Hamas’ Sexual Violence Against Women December 12, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott: Harvard Should Lose Federal Funding Over Failure to Condemn Antisemitism December 14, 2023: Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton & Colleagues Condemn “From the River to the Sea” Slogan as an Antisemitic Call for the Destruction of Israel December 19, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg December 20, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund December 21, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples January 14, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: American Hostages Hit 100-Day Mark in Hamas Captivity January 17, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues Urge Investigation into Pro-Hamas, Anti-Veteran Vandals February 1, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues to Biden: Strengthen Enforcement of Iran Sanctions February 1, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: America Will Never Reward Terror by Recognizing a Palestinian State February 29, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton & Colleagues to Biden: Rescind Directives Intended to Undermine Israelis March 4, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Tim Scott Call for Censure of Iran for Nuclear Buildup March 5, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Ted Cruz & Colleagues Introduce the LIABLE Act March 6, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Invites South Florida Mom Advocating for Israeli Hostages to State of the Union March 12, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: I Will Block Any Biden Effort to Bring Palestinian Refugees to America March 23, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Slams Blinken's Threats to Israel over Rafah Operation March 27, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Tim Scott Announce Resolution in Defense of Israel March 28, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott from Israel: The U.S. Must Stand with Israel Against Evil Hamas Terrorism March 28, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Roger Wicker & Armed Services Republicans Demanding Answers, Accountability for Gaza Pier March 29, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Hosts Media Availability Following Trip to Israel April 2, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Tom Cotton in Letter to Biden: Hosting Iraqi Prime Minister is Inappropriate, Undermines Israel April 10, 2024: Senators Rick Scott, Ted Budd & Joni Ernst Introduce Bill to Consider Terminating Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status April 11, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: I Just Came Back From Israel and Saw These Two Important Things April 13, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: Schumer Must Immediately Allow Vote on House-Passed Israel Aid Bill & Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act April 17, 2024: Senators Rick Scott, Bob Casey & Tim Scott Introduce Bill to Take On Antisemitism on College Campuses April 23, 2024: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in The Hill: We Can’t Trust Joe Biden to Stand with Israel, Lead America on the World Stage April 23, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott to Columbia University Board: Take Action Against Antisemitism or Lose Federal Funding May 2, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Pro-Israel Rally at George Washington University May 15, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Tom Cotton Introduce Bill to Repeal Biden Administration’s Arms Embargo on Israel May 21, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Sends Open Letter to University Presidents: You Have a Responsibility to Root Out Evil Antisemitism on Your Campuses May 23, 2024: Senate Unanimously Passes Sens. Rick Scott & Jacky Rosen's Resolution Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month June 6, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Tom Cotton in Letter to AG Garland: Investigate ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan July 24, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Calls Out Biden-Harris Abandonment of Israel Ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Address to Congress July 25, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch in Leading Efforts to Counter Hate Against Israel September 13, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: Brown Univ. Board Must Stand Up to Antisemitism, Reject Radical BDS Proposal September 18, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues to Condemn Palestinian Effort Targeting Israel at UN October 1, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: The United States Must Make Clear Iran Will Pay for Attacks on Israel October 7, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Joni Ernst in Standing with Israel On Oct. 7 to Condemn Iran-backed Hamas October 7, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Shares Remarks at Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s October 7th Commemoration to Stand in Solidarity with the Jewish Community October 22, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Introduce Bill to Punish Colleges that Allow Antisemitism October 23, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch to Lead 26 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN November 14, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch, 32 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN March 7, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Antisemitism on College Campuses March 26, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act May 1, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch and Colleagues on Bill to Protect Israel at the United Nations May 23, 2025: Sens. Rick Scott, Jacky Rosen Lead Passage of Resolution Recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month June 2, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott: The Next UF President Must Fully Commit to Protecting Jewish Students and Fighting Woke Policies August 27, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum September 22, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Elise Stefanik Lead Bicameral Letter to Global Leaders Warning Recognition of a Palestinian State is Reckless and Dangerous October 6, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Prevent NYC’s Mamdani from Arresting PM Netanyahu on U.S. Soil October 7, 2025: Sen. Rick Scott Issues Statement on Second Anniversary of the October 7th Terrorist Attack April 16, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bills to Defund UNRWA, Support Israel May 19, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott’s Jewish American Heritage Month Unanimously Passes Senate ### https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sen-rick-scott-convenes-jewish-community-leaders-in-jacksonville-for-conversation-on-combatting-antisemitism